Verse: James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Devotion
At the very core of Christianity should be service. Yes, outward expressions like prayer, worship, reading, and fasting are important; however, there is more to being a Christian. Pure religion in the context of the verse is calling for actionable steps that affect others in a positive, genuine, and tangible way. We are called to show Jesus through our words and our actions.
God is committed to caring for the powerless and defenseless, including the poor, the alienated, the fatherless and the widows. Since this is God’s heart, he wants that same heart to be in us. Jesus identified himself with the needy and the oppressed and when we care for someone in need we are following his lead.
The last part of verse 27 references us being polluted by the world. We are called to stand apart from the world. Our actions and choices should reflect Jesus and his teachings. This doesn’t mean we are perfect, but it does mean that when someone looks at us we should reflect Jesus’ character and love. Our actions towards others should be different and should draw them closer to knowing the real Jesus.
I think we all know how easy it is to get distracted or even burdened by what is going on in the world. There are so many hurting people and we can’t do it alone. That is why it’s so important to tune out as many distractions as possible and listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling you. I think listening is harder than ever now. Take some time this week and ask, how I can be used to care for people like Jesus did? Not all of us are called to start non profits, but we can help others in simple ways. Volunteer your time, give financially, donate your skills, listen to people’s stories. Every little thing adds up and shows Jesus’s love.
Prayer
God help us to be able to tune out distractions and hear you clearly. We ask that you would give us direction and wisdom on how we can help people in need. We thank you that you are bigger than the needs around us and we don’t have to do it alone. We ask for you to give us your heart for others and to see them how you see them.
Author: Josh Robinson
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