The True Religion: James 1:26,27

Our religious image as Christians is viewed by two aspects which may be either “vain” (v 26) or “pure” (v27). We can tell the kind of religion, vain or pure, one has by certain apparent practices that portray the reality of one’s faith, in behaviour and speech. Following the acts of sinful nature (Galatians 5:19-21) betrays the religious faith as “vain”.

True religion is marked by showing sympathy, very practical services from the bottom of the heart to one’s fellow human beings, especially to the vulnerable in the community regardless of religious affiliations. Such service is in true harmony with Christian love.

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). A Christian must not peep gleefully through a political window grasping the practices of a world’s political system that is an adversary against God’s will.

Let us as Christadelphians put what we know about God into practice in love and separation from this passing-away world (1 Corinthians 7:31). Let all brothers and sisters world wide heed Paul’s words to: “Come out from them and be separate,” says Yahweh. “Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:17,18). And we will be brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.

Bro Elvin Muntemba (Kitwe, Zambia)