James 1:27: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
With everything that is going on economically in the world today, I am reminded of this verse. There are those who are sick and tired of paying for the health care and other costs of those who are less fortunate and those who are just too lazy to get a job. I understand this being part of the highly taxed middle class, but consider this verse. Our job as genuine Christians is to take care of those less fortunate than us. It is not an option. James says that it is the "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless..." Nothing else matters in this world other than us taking care of others...showing the love and mercy to others that was so freely given us.
"Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. All of the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'" (Matthew 22:37-40)
So who is our neighbor? Our neighbors are ALL of those around us...good or bad...genuinely unfortunate or not...who need Christ. I firmly believe that if we show the love of Christ to everyone, whether they are taking advantage or not, Christ is glorified, and that is all I want to do. It is not my job to judge whether someone is worthy of my help or not. It is simply my job to help and wait for Christ to do His work. When we love without conditions (something the world doesn't expect) and give without regulations, His Word is brought forth, and His love is shown. Jesus loved me without conditions and regulations. Who am I to not love others the way He loves and takes care of me?
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Pure and Faultless Religion
Posted by Beth Ehlert at Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Labels: Jesus
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6 comments:
I agree in principle. However, I don't want my helping the less fortunate forced on me by my government. That's not Christian charity in action. That is simply obeying the laws of the land.
Amazingly enough, if the church really carried out it's Biblical mandate w/regard to the poor, widows, children, etc., our welfare system wouldn't even need to exist. Imagine how much money taxpayers would save if we gave to enable the church to give.
Exactly!! That's the point I was trying to make. I don't think it's the government's job to take care of the "widows and orphans." The gov't does a horrible job at it anyway. I would love to see our churches rise up and be the example of Jesus that He gave us. Instead of worrying about stupid (and really expensive) programs that do nothing to make Christ known to the world, we should be reaching out full-force with the message of Christ.
Thanks for the comment. =)
Oh, one more thought...a question really. If charity wasn't forced on us by the gov't, do you think that the church would really rise up and do it? What I mean is: I think over half of church attenders/members don't even tithe. Do you really think they would voluntarily give to meet the needs of others. We are such a selfish society. What do you think?
Unfortunately, I think the answer to your follow up question is a resounding "no." Afterall, it's obvious that at some point in history prior to FDR's presidency, the church had slacked off in it's committment to take care of those in need. If they hadn't, the government would have not seen a considerable 'need' to establish welfare in it's earliest form.
I agree wholeheartedly on the warped focus of so many churches to build bigger, have "x" number of members, blah, blah, blah. That's why I'm proud to be part of a church that while relatively large, still considers our primary purpose to be to help those wounded along the "Jericho Road" (Good Samaritan reference). It's when we help those, that we can make a difference. For proof of that statement, watch the youtube video "cardboard testimonies" and try to tell me that reaching to those in need doesn't reap a massive harvest.
I agree with you. It's sad but true. I will say, however, that there seems to be some kind of "awakening" going on in the church today. People are starting to really understand the purpose of the church. I personally think (though I may be wrong) that that is why there are so many churches springing up who don't affiliate with a particular denomination. People are tired of focusing on the minute things that make us different and are ready to focus on the Great Commission and truly bringing about change in communities.
Thanks for the conversation! I love it!!
Beth, I do think the church needs to step up to the plate in not only health care but in other areas of struggle. American churches are spoiled and it is very difficult to actually find churches that "love thy neighbor."
A lot who attend church today see church as something you do on Sundays. They don't realize church is not what you do....but who you are.
Until we start using the word Christian as a noun, and stop using it as an adjective, I am afraid we will see very little change in the Body of Christ
Thanks for your input, Bill. One little note based on your comment. I think that "Christian" is a verb...and that means we have to take action!!!
So what can we do to light a fire under the butts of Christians who are living in the adjective form? What do we do to bring about real change?
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