The word religion often has a negative connotation. Religion makes us think of uptight, legalistic people or churches that adhere to a strict set of rules, hoping to appease God. But James challenges that view of religion. In James 1:26–27 he addresses “those who consider themselves religious” (v. 26). He is talking to us.

James contrasts what makes a religion true and what makes it “worthless” in God’s eyes (v. 26). First, he points to our speech. “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves” (v. 26). His caution echoes what Jesus taught His disciples years prior, that “the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person “ (Matt. 15:18–20). Our speech is a direct indication of our spiritual health.

Then, in verse 27, James gives an example of “religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless.” He says that if you want to serve God sincerely, you will take care of the “least of these” around you. Here James is referring to the most vulnerable of his day, orphans and widows. Serving the helpless might not bring an obvious reward. But as Matthew 25:40 explains, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Selfless service pleases God our Father.

We might be tempted to think that we are religious if we go to church, study our Bible, attend prayer meetings. But James says true religion is reflected in our speech and our service. So we ask ourselves, Does what we say and do reflect our love for God?

Donate to Today in the Word: https://give.todayintheword.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.