Pure Religion

James 1:26-27 (NIV) - If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

“Pure Religion” The word translated in this verse as religious only occurs once in Scripture and refers to the zealous and diligent performance of religious services. James is speaking to those that think themselves religious. The implication is that they consider themselves pious because of their works but they are not. There are aspects of what we consider religious that are attainable by anyone. Church attendance, Christian speak, the ability to dress the part, even raising our hands and swaying in “worship” (it seems this has caught on at secular concerts) do not make us holy. They separate us from others and might even be used by some to identify us as Christians but they are not what impress God. He looks beyond all the religious posturing, the long prayers, and rituals, to the heart. True worship and pure religion starts with Jesus and ends with Jesus. It’s all about Him and to accomplish that our love for Christ must be preeminent. Above all else! That is the only thing that God considers Pure Religion.