(Part 3 of 3)
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”
James 1:26
Unlike other writers, James doesn’t focus on the dangers of false teachers and preachers creeping in and leading the sheep astray. Instead he focuses on the dangers of leading ourselves astray! Apparently there were those in James’ day that felt that merely “considering themselves” religious made their faith viable. However, James states that if anyone considers himself to be religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue…he is deceiving himself! James is showcasing the evident disconnect between their words and their deeds. A disconnect, that when seen by others, jeopardizes one’s effectiveness. Our religion becomes worthless if what we “say and do” don’t work in tandem to demonstrate the genuineness of our faith.
I wonder how many of us “consider ourselves” religious? Not in a legalistic sense, but in the sense that we see ourselves devoted to our faith in Christ. Are what we “say and do” in agreement? Many times our spiritual progress is not hindered by external forces pressing against us, but rather we undermine ourselves. We cripple our own walk with Christ and our spiritual effectiveness when our word and deeds do not line up.
James practical approach to his faith led him to this observation:
“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.”
James 1:27
Notice that both of these instructions are “doing” statements! We are to “look after” widows and orphans. We are to “keep ourselves” from being polluted by the world. It takes more than “consideration” to live a life that is pleasing to God. It also takes application! In John 8:31-32, Jesus said to his disciples:
“If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
It isn’t enough to know His Word, we must hold to it. Live it! That is when it really becomes truth to us! If you want the word of God to remain “living and active” in your life, then you need to begin responding to His Word. When you do…You will be blessed!
Pastor Scott Burr
http://faithandworshipseries.blogspot.com/
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”
James 1:26
Unlike other writers, James doesn’t focus on the dangers of false teachers and preachers creeping in and leading the sheep astray. Instead he focuses on the dangers of leading ourselves astray! Apparently there were those in James’ day that felt that merely “considering themselves” religious made their faith viable. However, James states that if anyone considers himself to be religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue…he is deceiving himself! James is showcasing the evident disconnect between their words and their deeds. A disconnect, that when seen by others, jeopardizes one’s effectiveness. Our religion becomes worthless if what we “say and do” don’t work in tandem to demonstrate the genuineness of our faith.
I wonder how many of us “consider ourselves” religious? Not in a legalistic sense, but in the sense that we see ourselves devoted to our faith in Christ. Are what we “say and do” in agreement? Many times our spiritual progress is not hindered by external forces pressing against us, but rather we undermine ourselves. We cripple our own walk with Christ and our spiritual effectiveness when our word and deeds do not line up.
James practical approach to his faith led him to this observation:
“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.”
James 1:27
Notice that both of these instructions are “doing” statements! We are to “look after” widows and orphans. We are to “keep ourselves” from being polluted by the world. It takes more than “consideration” to live a life that is pleasing to God. It also takes application! In John 8:31-32, Jesus said to his disciples:
“If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
It isn’t enough to know His Word, we must hold to it. Live it! That is when it really becomes truth to us! If you want the word of God to remain “living and active” in your life, then you need to begin responding to His Word. When you do…You will be blessed!
Pastor Scott Burr
http://faithandworshipseries.blogspot.com/
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