Pure and Undefiled

How did you come to the religion you are? For most of us that question brings up thoughts of the denominational or non-denominational group I either grew up in or am now a part of.

Merriam-Webster defines religion these ways: (1) a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices. (2) the service and worship of God or the supernatural. (3) a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.

Now I am sure Mr. Webster and those who now work on his behalf are really smart people, but I can assure you James the brother of Jesus defined religion much easier and better.

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27 ESV)

On Independence day Ninette and I went to the theater and watched a movie called, “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot.”

The movie was both heart wrenching and uplifting in its message and story. The story is of a small church in poor and rural east Texas around the turn of this century.

In that town there is a small church that gets inspired and 22 families end up adopting 77 of the most difficult to place orphans in their area.

These people were dirt poor and predominately uneducated by modern standards. Their church facilities were what we might even label fairly primitive.

Yet, through much hardship and many trials there can be no doubt they experienced “pure and undefiled religion” just as James defines it.

God loves to work with those others think are not capable. What could He do with your life if you let Him?