“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” (James 1:27, KJV).
The emphasis placed on specific routine practices chosen to display worship to God, or a god (moon, person, planet, sun, or weather) is religion. There are numerous religious practices throughout the world displaying worship to whoever or whatever is believed to be honored as supreme or superior above all. Some practices display worship at scheduled times throughout a day or week. Therefore, religious practices are just a form of personal or corporate exhibition, but the actions are not God–only a form of reverence to God or a god. Although the Bible does encourage outward displays of honoring God, it also emphasizes believing, knowing, and understanding Him and what He has done for His human creation (Psalms 14:2).
While religious practices vary one from another, Christian religious practices can vary from one denomination to another with most acknowledging different aspects mentioned in the Bible. Whereas one denomination may esteem physical baptism another denomination may highly regard speaking in tongues. But honoring these practices do not make anyone godly. The general or routine practices of gathering in groups hearing pastoral sermons, singing praises to God, and studying the Bible also are outward appearances of reverence, but are only part of displaying worship to God.
“The religion which is holy and free from evil in the eyes of God and the Father is this: to take care of children who have no fathers and of widows who are in trouble, and keep oneself untouched by the world” (James 1:27, Basic English Bible).
When complete comprehension of who God is and what He has accomplished for His human creation, along with religious practices, a change within the heart or thoughts will occur (2 Timothy 2:15). As the Bible informs, sin entered into the world because an important instruction was neglected, but diligently seeking to know God provides understanding of Him and what He requires (Isaiah 55:6-7; Micah 6:8).
“Religion clean and undefiled before God and the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation: and keep one’s self unspotted from the world” (James 1:27, Douay Rheims Bible).
In the three highlighted areas are repeated Scripture guidelines from three Bible versions concerning what God considers as true religion. Although the wording in each differs slightly, the message presents the same instructions. The wording is consistent with actions and solutions established by the apostles regarding neglect of Grecian widows that did not receive daily assistance in the community. As the apostles gathered to resolve the problem, a committee of seven men were formed, which included Steven, to oversee the administration of service and supply all the widows in the community (Acts 6:1-5). You could say they formed the first agency to assist the elderly, or they instituted affirmative action for a particular group neglected in society.
(An excerpt of this blog was posted by Edna Robinson on Christian Poets and Writers Facebook page on October 10, 2022.)
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