Real Religion

 

Scripture: James 1:26-27 (The Message)

            Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world

Devotion:

            A message I have seen on bumper stickers, t-shirts, and the like is this, “Christianity is not a religion but a relationship.” While I sympathize with the thought, I cannot help but wonder if that saying really summarizes the life of a Christian. James really nails down what true religion is in these two verses.

            First, James rails against those whose religion is for show only. The world today falls so easily for this deception today. Not meaning to pick on TV evangelists and preachers but they are the low hanging fruit in this regard. Many a Christian celebrity preacher has shown just how thin their faith is by raising obscene quantities of cash to purchase the latest luxury private jet to fly them to meet the lowly faithful in far flung destinations around the globe. They have deceived many by false healings and other fraudulent schemes to increase their fame and celebrity while treading on the fame and glory that is due only to Jesus.

            But faith that is nothing, but “hot air religion” takes on other less noticeable forms as well. There are many who see religion as something they do for an hour on Sunday mornings. The rest of their week is devoted to other pursuits. These people are moral and upstanding citizens of their communities. They look good on the outside but inside they lack any zeal or concern for the things God cares about,

            What kind of religion is God really looking for then? God is seeking those whose actions match their words. It is easy today to sit by and watch the world go on hurting and breaking people. Not caring about the plight of the poor, the widow, and the addict. We think that if we are good people and (mostly) obey the big 10 commandments then we are bound for glory. Let the rest of the people do as they please God will judge them in due time. We are not our brother’s keeper.

            God’s answer to such faith is “I never knew you depart from me.” God never said convert people although that is the first step. God’s concern was for us to make disciples of our converts. While God is big on relationships and communicates such in his word. God is looking for women and men who will seek not only a close relationship with him, but also are willing to look after the poor misfortunate souls God brings our way. Christianity is indeed a relationship it is just a deep relationship not a shallow, loveless one. Let us pray that we may be Christians who seek the deep things of God.

Prayer:

            Lord, we come to you today seeking a committed relationship that will last for all eternity. Help us to not be shallow Christians. Lead us into the deep waters of your love. Teach us how to love each other more deeply. Glorify your name through our simple acts of love done in your name. Amen.