The opening line of James 1:27 states, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this.” Through the truths of James 1:26-27 we discover three essential elements to that which the Lord our God would define and accept as a pure religious life. First, from verse 26 we learn that an unbridled, selfish tongue defeats the spiritual value of a religious life. Even so, we may conclude that if an unbridled, selfish tongue is contrary to a pure religious life, then a bridled, Spirit-filled communication is an essential element of a pure religious life. Furthermore, verse 27 reveals two additional elements that are essential to a pure religious life, saying, “ure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Indeed, pure religion involves this – a Spirit-filled communication, a selfless compassion, and a separated character. In fact, these elements are so important to our lives that James deals further with each matter in the three chapters that follow. In chapter 2 he deals significantly with the matter of a selfless compassion toward the poor and needy. Then in chapter 3 he deals significantly with the matter of a Spirit-filled communication. Finally, in chapter 4 he deals significantly with the matter of a separated character.
1. A Spirit-filled Communication
2. A Selfless Compassion
3. A Separated Character |
