The Laurel Canyon church of Christ

Where Religion Meets the Road

Jason Hardin

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this... (James 1:27).

        We'll complete the verse next week. But before we go any further, don't let the beginning of James' statement go unnoticed.
        You "have religion"? Fine. But mere "religion" doesn't always equal acceptance before God. We live in a culture wherein people are arguing with increasing fervency that all religion is the same. All that is necessary is sincerity. One is as good as another. Pick one, stick to it, and that's all that matters.
        Remember throughout your day that the first part of James 1:27 carries a critical message. "Having religion" is one thing. Nurturing "religion that is pure and undefiled" is another thing entirely.
        It's up to each one of us to make sure that what is flowing through our lives in the name of religion comes from the pure, unadulterated Source. If such is the case, it's time to remain steadfast. If not, it's time to look beyond the counterfeits for the real thing.