notes

Main point summary

Your devotion to God can be either worthwhile or worthless. Make your devotion to God count by putting it into action!

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editing

NT

James 1:26-27

esv

mine

If anyone thinks he is religious

If someone thinks he is a devout follower of God

q and does not bridle his tongue

even though he doesn't control what he says

but deceives his heart,

but deceives himself about actually following God

negativepositive

concessive

this person’s r religion is worthless.

then that person's "devotion" to God is tainted and a waste.

conditional

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:

Alternatively, true devotion to God the Father looks like this:

s to visit t orphans and widows in their affliction,

caring for the most vulnerable

and u to keep oneself v unstained from the world.

and striving for purity in the world.

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Notes

All talk and no action is worthless from God's perspective. If our faith doesn't prompt us to care for the hurting (especially those hurting Christians), then our faith, or devotion to God, is worthless. Today it is easier than ever for a Christian to talk and talk and talk and do nothing. Just think about Twitter and Facebook! Ironically enough, I once read a tweet that said, "Just because you tweeted it, doesn't mean you did it." We can put up a good imagine on social media, but if it's simply "religious" window dressing, then it counts for nothing in God's eyes. We'd do well to Tweet less and care more. We'd do well to be slow to post, and quick to pray. Especially when it means praying WITH those who are in need. And let our prayers not be the end, but let's strive to be the answer to someone's prayer for those in need. Our first thought should be, "Who can I serve?" Not, "What should I Tweet?" Finally, we must fight the temptation that says, "You've worked hard, you really care about the needy. So why not take a break and 'indulge' a little bit in______." Faith in action can wear us down. And it can also wear down our resolve to temptation. So, pursue a ministry of help. And help that ministry by staying pure.