Researchers into human behavioural patterns show that man by nature must worship something. That is why people in different countries profess belief in one deity or another. Apart from Christianity, Islam, Bhuddism and Hinduism, which may be regarded as the most widely practiced religions, ancestral worship and traditional religion still remain popular in many parts of the world today, despite the spread of civilization.
With reference to God here, therefore, we are dealing with the divine deity, the Almighty God within the context of monotheism as professed in Christianity. And our reference or authority, if you like, is the Bible, the sacred word of God; the divine corpus of revelation.
Although, many have come to view Christianity as the only religion accepted by God, the fact remains that the way it is practiced determines whether it is approved by God or not.
We are told James. 1:26; “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” It stands to reason, therefore, from this statement by the wise Apostle James, that even though you are a Christian, your religion is of no value if you have no self control; how true! The tongue is said to have the power of life and death.
However, in this lesson, our concern is what God considers the true and acceptable religion in His sight. What is good to man may not necessarily be accepted by the Almighty God. In James, 1:27, we are told, “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.”
So, brethren, if your religious activities are devoid of the good works mentioned above, then, you cannot meet God’s approval and, I am afraid, your faith is in vain.
What the Lord is interested in is the faith that has works. If your faith has no works to support it, the Bible reckons that your faith is dead. Let us go to James 12:14-17, for more guidance: “What good is it, my brother, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him: Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed; “But does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
That will not be your portion. Your labour in righteousness shall not be in vain in Jesus name. You may read the Lord’s parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25 – 37) for further instruction.
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