Religion promotes a belief system of faith and worship. Its authenticity solely depends on the source of its truth (i.e., God) and how it is lived out by one who places their faith in it. To be clear, there are many who attend worship services on Sunday, speak of their active prayer life and engage in other spiritual disciplines such as fasting and service. Are these things evidence of true religion, or mere formalism? The answer is: it depends. The letter of James primary aim is to offer practical application to God’s people. He cautions that there is problem with our Christianity if what we say and our affections do not align with the heart of our God. James taught, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” In other words, an external show of piety does not necessarily reflect Christianity. Again, it depends……on the heart.
As we observe people in society, we can witness that many have learned the ritual of religion. However, our speech exposes our true inner condition. Our Lord taught that our words are the mouth pieces for our hearts, as it reveals our spiritual state, for Jesus declared, “…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Mt 12:34). James (who was an elder of the early church) did not want the Christian to live out counterfeit religion. One of the first ways we practice Christianity is exercising self-control over what we say. A person whose tongue is unbridled and ruled by hastiness of their words, cursing, slander and filthy language……. religion is worthless. To bless God and curse (with the same mouth) those made his image does not model the character of God, nor our identity as his child of God, nor love for neighbor. Such person who lives in this way deceives their own heart according to James.
True Christianity is not merely of outward works, but the condition and motive of the heart matters to God. How we think is just as important as we what do. Only with the mind of Christ, can we practice our faith that is acceptable to God. In light of James exhortations, every Christian (include myself) is encouraged to meditate daily on these questions in prayer before God:
- What is my motive for practicing my faith?
- Where in my faith do I need to grow in my affections of God?
We all fall short, but with the Spirit’s help we can engage in humble examination of these questions before God in prayer with his Word as our guide. Growth in these areas will produce more true religion in our lives.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com