What does it mean to be “religious?”

James 1:26-27

The word that James uses for “religious” (threskos) comes from the idea of religion being ritualistic worship activities or even a religious system that one embraces.

There is a reference in Jewish practice centuries before James was on the scene of the idea of “religious” being tied to the skill of a craftsman.  This person  made images of children and kings that provided avenues of reverence but also added to a whole world of superstition and misguided reverence that should have been directed toward God (Wisdom of Solomon XIV.18).

                So, for centuries people have attached wrong ideas to the notion of being religious. Questions abound: is it performing certain rituals correctly? Is it living a perfect life? Is it proving that I am morally better than others? Is it a type of moral purity I achieve because I do more things for the poor and needy? Does it mean that I am living a cramped lifestyle, and I cannot do the other “fun” things that my friends at work get to do over the weekend? Just what does it mean to be “religious?”

                In an astounding move, James takes the idea of “religious/religion” and,  instead of emphasizing ritualistic perfection and moral perfection, he points out that it is a matter of the heart.

                Because religion is a matter of the heart, three things will be evident:

1.       I will be able to bridle my tongue and bless others instead of cursing them.

2.       To care for orphans and widows need, troubles and pressures.

3.       Embrace a different set of values that focuses on God’s will, and not run rampant after values of the world that destroy one’s character and reputation.

Of course, this short list was never intended by James to be the entire picture. But notice that it covers three important things: my words, my reaching out to others, and my value system. If this is religion, then it covers a lot in my life!

Throughout the Bible God demonstrates concern that his covenant people control their tongues. Who would have thought that religions is concerned with what I say to you!

Throughout the Bible God demonstrates His care for the widows and orphans through his covenant people. Who would have thought that religion is concerned with that!

Throughout the Bible God demonstrates concern that His covenant people embrace the right values. Who would have thought that religion is concerned about the values I embrace down deep in my heart, and guide what I do every day!

Even though “religious” and “religion” have received a bad rap for a long time, perhaps the only answer is to live the Christian life in such a way that my tongue, my care, and my values give these two words a whole new meaning from the context of my faithful life to my loving Heavenly Father!

In Christian love, Curtis

QUICK TO LISTEN & SLOW TO SPEAK

Have you ever spouted off something without thinking and it got you into trouble? We instantly realize in two seconds the trouble we are in, and we wish we could take the words back. It may be the hurt look on another’s face, it may be the heavy silence in the room, or it may be our conscience giving us a swift kick—these all speak in a voice that reminds us we should have kept quiet!

                In James 1:19-21 the writer makes a connection between our listening skills and our speaking skills. He starts off with the emphatic phrase…”Understand this…”

                James begins by saying, “Here is something crucial I want you to understand in your Christian life. You need to listen more often than you speak.”

                Notice that James connects quick speaking with anger. We are to be “slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Why is this so? The reason is much more important that keeping me out of trouble.  He connects it with God. Thoughtless speaking and angry words do not bring about or work out the “righteousness of God.”

                This righteousness can be understood in one of two ways (maybe both at the same time!):         1) My listening and speaking should represent the very nature and character of God in my life;       and/or 2) The very will of God can be carried out by how I listen and control my tongue.

                You see, we need to understand that James connects something as practical as my listening and speaking to the very will and nature of God in the world. He is not just concerned with helping us stay out of trouble. He is not just interested in helping us develop relationships skills. He is not just concerned with giving us tips for better living.

                James wants us to know that thoughtless speech and a quick temper do not come from God nor represent the will of God. In this paragraph, he closes with a conclusion about how we are to live in such a way as to save our souls. It is the implanted word that we receive in humility that transforms our speech and lives. This kind of attitude and power from the implanted word enables us to put away everything that is filthy in our lives, along with rampant or abundant wickedness.

                Practically, this means that every day and with every spoken word I must pass the “God-test.”

Am I listening with the compassion of the heart of God? Are the words I am about to speak represent God and His will in the world? Do I realize that unchecked words and anger do not bring about God’s righteousness in the world? What keeps me from being a compassionate and caring listener? Is there anything filthy in my speech or wicked in my thinking and behavior that needs to go?

“Understand this…” May God give us the grace to really understand this!

In Christian love, Curtis