Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
26“If you claim to be religious but do not control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and lasting religion in the sight of GOD our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.” ~ James 1:26-27
James has a lot to say about how we use our tongue (more details on this in Chapter 3). No matter how spiritual we may think we are, we should all control our speech more effectively.
In the first century, orphans and widows had very little means of economic support. Unless a family member was willing to care for them, they were reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves, or starving. By caring for these people, the church put GOD’s Word into practice. When we give with no thought of receiving, we show what it means to truly serve others. James encourages us to put our faith into actions. It is easy to say we have faith, but true faith will produce loving actions towards others.
To keep ourselves from letting the world corrupt us, we need to commit ourselves to Christ’s ethical and moral system, not the worlds. We are not to adapt to the world’s value system, which is based on money, power, and pleasure. True faith means nothing if we are contaminated with such values.
Father GOD, as we study YOUR Word, prepare our hearts to be receptive to what James has to say about the use and control – or lack thereof – our tongues. Help us also LORD, to reach out to those with little or no faith. Help us to encourage them to reach out to the one and only true and lasting One – Jesus Christ.
Photo: Estes Park (Colorado)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
