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 NIV

In the preceding verses, James encourages believers to listen to the word of God and put it into practice in our lives. He says in James 1:19, “So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. WEB” Further, James teaches that those who think of themselves as religious but do not control what they say, these individuals practice a worthless religion.

It is common for men to think of themselves as religious without actually living in obedience to God. But, it is uncommon for men to live lives that are pure and faultless, bringing even our speech into submission to the word and will of our Father in heaven. In other words, obedience to God in Christ is followed to the level of every word we say.

Justified or Condemned

These words are consistent with the teaching of Christ as he says in Matthew 12:35-37, “The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things. I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. WEB” 

Beyond the self control over our words encouraged by James and commanded by Jesus, acceptable religion means that we love as Christ loves. To do this, we love God with all our hearts and souls. Serving God, we love the poor and needy. In addition to widows and orphans, we love all of mankind. As Christians, the Lord commands us to love even our enemies. Resisting the temptations of our sinful flesh, we live and love in strict obedience to the word and will of God. This is acceptable religion, pure and faultless.

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Temple