“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” (James 1:26-27, New Living Translation)
“I’m not religious, I just love the Lord!”
“Jesus hates religion”
“Why I hate religion, but I love Jesus”
All these phrases (and others) have been spoken by well-meaning, enthusiastic, devoted Christ-followers. And it always bugs me. I could almost go there if not for James 1:27. That verse rang in my head again this morning as I tweeted: Jesus does not hate religion. He hates empty religion. #james1_27 #pleasestopsayingit
This context does not allow me to write fully on this topic, so I will likely write more in another format. But here are some brief thoughts for today’s reflection. (Please stay with me for the next couple of paragraphs. I’m confident it will be worth it).
“Religion” may be defined as: (1) an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group, (2) a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices, (3) a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith. The word comes from Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back.
The Greek word translated “religion” in James 1:27 is a word that can mean “ceremonial observance”.
Now that your eyes are beginning to glaze over, HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE: Your “religion” may be defined as whatever worldview and understanding of God serves as the road map for your faith journey (who you follow … how you respond to the world around you … your patterns of living). It can be empty and ritualistic ceremonies. It can be distorted, shame-driven and works-based.
Or it can be grace-driven patterns of living based on a growing intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, who loves His church and gave His life for her. (Ephesians 5:25)
Question: How does your love for Jesus drive your interaction with the world around you?
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