This was a late quiet time but so specific in the instruction.
James 1:27 [AMP]
External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.
There is so little and so much packed into this verse. I have fallen away from deliberate aid to widows, single moms, and abandoned kids. There is no excuse but the explanation is TIME. This is an area, that even today, has piqued a conviction that I must step out in purposeful execution; leading my family in taking care of those in need.
Secondly, the “keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world” is a minute by minute attention to my heart and mind as well as the exposure I permit to my children. It is what I listen to in the car, what I watch when I relax at night, and even what I allow on the devices for which I pay for service. I am so thankful for this reminder today.
Putting the two verses from yesterday and this one today, we have a very clear view on what legit religion looks like; executed in a way that is honoring to the Lord.
- Obedience to Gods Word as we immerse ourselves in it each day.
- Controlling one’s mouth and speech in alignment with scripture.
- Deliberate caretaking of those most afflicted- widows, orphans, etc
- To keep oneself free of the nastiness this world can pull you into. The battle with our flesh is a minute by minute battle. We must strive for the righteous life God call us to; however, we live here in the flesh. Thank God we have the imbued righteousness of Jesus, the Son of the Living God.