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Articles
Pure and Undefiled Religion
The world generally defines “pure and undefiled religion” as the practice of spending time in worship, reading the Bible, and praying, but does that fit the model revealed in the New Testament? Is “pure and undefiled religion” solely the actions of a man toward God, or is there a further requirement to be fulfilled? The prophet James helps us better understand the practical nature of man’s faith and the Bible’s definition of what “pure and undefiled religion” resembles. James wrote – “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (1:27). This definition would include the above mentioned actions, but it would also include our responsibility to seek opportunities to help those who are in need.
James prior to giving this definition of “pure and undefiled religion” warned his readers of the false confidence they may have in themselves. He wrote – “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless” (1:26). The Pharisees give us a biblical portrait of this misconception. The Pharisees cared more about their perceived religiosity before men, then practicing what James defined as “pure and undefiled religion” (Matthew 6:2, 5, 7, 16; Luke 18:11-12; John 12:42-43). The Pharisees professed with their lips allegiance to God, but in reality their hearts were far from Him (Matthew 15:7-9).
We must guard our tongues from professing something that our hearts may be lacking. The reward of lip-service toward God will not be sufficient in the day of Judgement. Jesus spoke of this in the Sermon on the Mount – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21; emphasis mine, bcj). Our tongues may profess “pure and undefiled religion,” while our hearts tell a completely different story and lifestyle.
The definition of “pure and undefiled religion” requires the ability to look beyond oneself and see the need of others (1:27). Our Father has always demonstrated tremendous love toward those who are less fortunate and who are in need. The Psalmist David wrote - “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, only the rebellious dwell in a parched land” (65:5-6). The Lord commanded Israel to exhibit a similar compassion in the law of Moses (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 10:18; l4:28-29; 24:19-21). Israel failed miserably in their application of this command and were ultimately judged for their abuse of the orphans and widows (Isaiah 1:23; Jeremiah 5:28-29).
This characteristic of our Father’s compassion is to be imitated by every Christian. Our love should not be only words without action, but rather our love is to be demonstrated by deed and truth (1 John 3:17-18). The very purpose of Jesus’ parable, The Good Samaritan, should motivate us to serve others (Luke 10:30-37). If we fail to serve those who are in need, then what difference is there between our inaction and Israel’s? Our objective should always be to accomplish the will of our Father who is heaven.
The practice of “pure and undefiled religion” has continually required more than simply caring for one’s own needs. We have been called to serve one another; i.e. help carry one another’s burdens, listen to one another, pray and study with one another, financially support one another during rough times. We have been called to look beyond ourselves and comfort those who are hurting. We can deceive ourselves by saying that we are doing enough, but there should never be a limit to our love and devotion toward God, or His people. May God bless us with hearts to serve!
