James 1:25-27

You can be religious without being righteous. As James uses it, religion is a system of designated behaviors and practices that relate humanity to God. James is writing to Jewish Christians, and the Jews have a history of being very religious. They practiced sacrifices, had ceremonies and prayers, and kept the law. As new Christians, they were very conscientious about continuing religious behavior and practices. Many behaviors that a Christian can engage in will reveal his religion worthless and empty. James picks one of the most obvious when he picks the uncontrolled tongue. Those who claim to be religious yet use words to abuse others are deceiving themselves. Self-deception is not just a Jewish Christian problem; many religious people are still self-deceived today. Going to church, paying tithes, working in the church, and praying does not make one righteous.

Righteousness is about our relationship with God, and others. We were reconciled to God though faith in his son, but we live in right relationship with him by maintaining right relationships with others. James tells his readers that God expects them to look out for the helpless and the weak. True righteousness is treating the humble rightly even when they cannot reward for our kindness. We are not kind and generous for selfish motives. Because we are in right relationship with God, his love fills our heart and we express his love by our actions.

James points out the final aspect of righteousness; a righteous man must be in right relationship with himself. He sees himself clearly and allows the Word of Truth to guide him. He recognizes the pollution of the world and with God’s help keeps himself pure.

God recognizes pure religion as a system of behaviors and practices that relate humanity to God, others, and self in righteous relationships. When we hear the Word of Truth and obey it, our looks will change, our speech will change, it will change our thinking, it will change the way we act, and it will change our relationships. The word of truth will change everything.