By Pastor John Bingham
James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
In contrast to fake religion, James demonstrates what pure religion looks like. James takes note that those who practice a fake religion are concerned with other men. Those that have discovered this pure religion know it is all about walking humbly with their God.
Micah 6:8 says, “ He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; And what doth the Lord require of thee,
But to do justly, and to love mercy, And to walk humbly with thy God?”
This heart of humility is seen in two ways: compassion for the least in society and a heart of simple obedience. Because of the culture, women could not simply go get a job. Often widows and orphans would be left destitute and without means to care for themselves. But when we are walking with God, our heart reflects His, and as a result a godly man becomes a conduit of God’s compassion and care for them.
The godly man also desires to walk in simple obedience. God calls us to be holy (1 Peter 1:14-16), and he desires to honor God’s call to holiness. This life won’t make big waves on this earth. It won’t gather a following on your Facebook or Twitter feed, but it will please your Heavenly Father. What kind of religion do you have?