Devotionals
James 1:27
(excerpt from Morning Meditations by Martin Wiles)
James 1:27 Pure and lasting religion…means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles. (NLT)
Etched in my memory is a little country store that was several blocks from my grandparent’s house. Like most Mom and Pop stores, one owner ran the store and they carried a variety of goods. The Wal-Mart’s and Kmart’s weren’t born yet. This one was simply named Stroman’s after the owner. I don’t recall what Mr. Stroman looked like. I just remember what he did.
My great grandmother, having lost her husband many years before, had given her home to her son and moved in with my grandparents-her daughter and son-in-law. Though she was well cared for by them, there was one thing Mr. Stroman did that they didn’t. He delivered Sprites in bottles-an entire crate full, which “Mammy” would in turn hide in her unlit closet until she was ready to drink them. A recipient of pure religion.
The definition of religion is fuzzy depending on who you consult. Belonging to a religious organization. Giving to charity. Living in the West. Performing good deeds. Undergoing baptism or other church rites. The list can appear endless and confusing. According to Jesus, many will completely misunderstand the true meaning. When they stand before him and espouse their list of accomplishments, he will say, I never knew you. Go away. (Matthew 7:23 NLT)
James clears up the confusion: care for orphans and widows and don’t let the world corrupt you. Encompassed in his admonition is the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” And perhaps the two greatest commandments as detailed by Jesus: Love God with all your being and others as yourself. (Mark 12:29-31)
While our religious motions may be many and varied, pure religion is very simple: mimic Christ. Help the helpless. Feed the hungry. Visit prisoners. Love orphans. Care for widows. Love everyone. When Christ’s love is deposited in our hearts, the rest comes easy. And by the way, “Thanks Mr. Stroman for teaching me about religion Jesus’ way.”
Prayer: Father, open my eyes to the simple ways I can demonstrate my religion to others.
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