Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 (NLT)
Why did God say so much about taking care of orphans and widows throughout the Bible?
I believe it has a lot to do with the fact that they can't pay me back. If I am meeting the needs of those who have no resources to return the favor, then I believe I am showing the true, sacrificial love that pleases God.
Jesus said the greatest commandments are to "love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself." Matt 22:37-39 (NLT)
If loving God with all my heart, loving my neighbor as myself, taking care of orphans and widows, and keeping myself unstained by the world are the basics of what God expects, then I think that is what my focus should be. This should be my first step in simplifying my walk with Jesus.
I like this post Tim,
ReplyDeleteThat word "Pure" from James 1:27 is right on target. If you have a large glass of "pure" water and add one drop of anything else, it is no longer "pure". Even if what you added was good. A spoon full of Kool Aid isn't bad, but you no longer have "pure" water. I think we sometimes add so much to what God has actually said that we dilute the power of His "pure" word.
Our religion is a reflection of our Relationship.
I'm enjoying the BLOG.