Pure Religion

James 1:27 (ESV)
²⁷ 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.

"What are we to do?" some will ask. Many don’t even ask this question, taking things into their own hands or listening to others instead of God. We come with our own flavors which suit our temperament, tradition, or for other reasons.

James distills true religion in this one verse for all who would listen. We are to do and be for others. Everyone is in view, but especially those in the midst of loss and difficulty. We are in a messy world, but we are to hold on to the cleansing we received when we trusted in Jesus. His power will enable us to walk in this world without the dust of the journey sticking to our feet. His cleansing remains as we remain in Him.

Be wary of those things which can muddy the water that comes from the fountain of life.