Pure 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. James 1:27
Are we playing church or are we living true religion?
I can remember several years after I became a Christian, gradually becoming very rigid about attending church every week. After all, wasn’t that what a good Christian was supposed to do? It wasn’t long before I found myself just going through the motions while my mind wandered to other things. I didn’t even realize the church was asking for volunteers in ministries that worked with the poor and needy. But I could proudly say I had attended church that week. I was complacent, rather ho hum, in my weekly ritual.
Religion is not going through motions. True religion is living acts of love and mercy that allow us to touch the lives of those who are in need of His provision. Providing the needs of widows and orphans is not only showing the love of the Lord, it is practicing true religion. It’s the pure religion that gives us the power to reach people for the Lord and to distance ourselves from selfishness and the world’s ways.
Since that time, I have learned that the Lord has called me into His kingdom as His coworker. My prayers have changed too. I pray for a sincere heart of worship and learning during the church services. Just as important, I ask Him to show me the needs of others and help me to be available for His service; to help those that need to know God loves them.
Are you practicing religion that focuses on tradition and rituals, or are you bound to the Lord with spiritual power and love to serve those in need? Let your “religion” show through your actions. This is true religion.
Dr. Craigmyle is a licensed clinical psychologist and Christian therapist working for St. John’s Clinic: Behavioral Healthcare in Springfield, Missouri. She is a Certified Spiritual Life Coach and a Certified Victim Advocate. Dr. Craigmyle is a member of the American Psychological Association, The American Association of Christian Counselors, Society for Christian Psychology, and FaithWriters. She is the author of Daily Grace, a daily e-devotional created to focus on the Word of God and promote inward examination and spiritual growth.
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