James chapter 1 verses 26-27 (NIV)
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 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.
Acts Chapter 10: Verse 38 (NIV)
And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
What does it mean to be religious? The Bible definition of religion is the devotion to God and emphasises the importance of true worship. But for many, like some of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law in Jesus’ time, it became a ritual observance of laws and statutes and lost its true meaning. In the Bible, religion is not simply a system of beliefs and rituals, but rather a way of life that encompasses one’s relationship with God and others. It encompasses aspects such as moral conduct, prayer, worship, and adherence to divine commandments. Religion, as understood in the biblical context, goes beyond external practices and rituals, emphasising the internal transformation of the heart and a sincere devotion to God. Thus, James was reminding the readers of his letters that it is not just what we say that makes us a follower of God, it’s living in practice the life that God intends us to.
I don’t like hard sell of any kind from people who cold call. They can say all the right thing about the product they are selling, and they may be quite eloquent about it. But I don’t know them, or the product they want me to buy. The best kind of recommendation is from someone who has bought and uses the product and know that it works. They are recommending by experience. That’s why our personal testimony is so important, people need to see that we have experience of the faith that we want them to share. If we indeed practice what we preach, people are much more likely to listen to what we say if they see the outworking of it in our lives. We need to emulate the way Jesus lived. He taught the people about God’s laws and precepts, He taught them the importance of prayer and worship, but He also went around doing good. We can’t separate any of these things if we want to truly be His Ambassadors.
Dear Lord,
Help me to live my life as a follower of Jesus in a manner that is acceptable to You, and to remember that its more than what I say, it’s what I do. I ask all of these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen.