James 1:27 - The Tests of Religion

The context of James 1 and 2 identifies and defines the true believer. How can you know the real thing from a counterfeit? What is a genuine expression of faith and what is pretense? What is consistent with truth "engrafted" or "implanted" and what is a "vain" or "worthless" attempt at serving God? The blessed individual is one who not only hears the word but does. More than just reading and comprehending, he looks intently into God's truth. He abides in it, does not forget what he hears and effectively does what the word instructs him to do. He listens eagerly and implements carefully. The New Testament was never intended to be an object about which we are to merely talk. Its purpose is not to produce a fight or quarrel, though disagreements about what it teaches inevitably arise. The word does not merely provide subject after subject for debate. Truth is first and foremost to be received in one's heart and expressed in the activities of one's life. This is James' point.

Enjoyment of religious discussion and expertise on religious topics do not alone qualify as "pure and undefiled religion." In the last two verses of James 1, the author proposes three tests or religious exercises which should be reflected in an individual who adheres to truth. The first is a bridled tongue (1:26). He later explains why such action is so essential to true religion. A controlled tongue demonstrates one's ability to control the rest of one's body (James 3:2). Without careful attention being given to one's words, arrogant, hateful, idle and false words could emanate from the heart (Matt. 12:33-37). "The fruit of the Spirit is . . . self-control" (Galatians 5:22,23).

The second test is sympathy and aid for the distressed. Are "orphans and widows" the only persons who qualify in this test? Orphans and widows may be singled out because they lack a guardian or breadwinner and are often forgotten by those with families. However, these are not the only distressed to whom we owe compassion to arrive at pure and undefiled religion. While James mentions two such groups, Jesus included others -- the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the sick, the naked and those in prison (Matt. 25:31-46). Note Jesus' statement, ". . . to the extend that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it unto Me" (25:40). One way we show our love for Christ is by loving and helping others whom He loves, particularly the burdened.

God expects His children to do what He does. "A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation" (Psalm 68:5). "The Lord protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow" (Psalm 146:9). "He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing" (Deuteronomy 10:18).

Monetary contributions into a collection plate do not satisfy the requirement here. Money never visited or provided the human touch that God calls us to in this text. Institutionalism keeps the "unpleasant" duties of seeing after the needy at arm's length. It perpetuates the mentality of the slothful, "Let someone else do it." We live in such a prosperous society that throwing money in the direction of the suffering is not so much a sacrifice. Giving money to something is easier than giving up time and comfort. While we may feel good about it, someone has to do the visiting and caring. Those "someones" are practicing pure and undefiled religion.

The query often comes back, "Can't the church practice 'pure and undefiled religion?'" Of course, it can and it must. However, what Scripture demands from the individual differs from what Scripture demands from the corporate body. The local church is without authorization to act to the same extent that the individual has, nor could it successfully if it would desire to do so. The congregation has the well-defined and massive responsibility to be "the pillar and support of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15), to support the preaching of the word that saves souls. God's word instructs the church to alleviate only the distress of needy saints (2 Corinthians 9:1,12-14). While some widows fall into this category, 1 Timothy 5:16 points out that it is better not to burden the church by the material needs of every believing widow. Finding congregational activity in James 1:27 goes quite beyond the author's intent. This passage does not authorize congregational support of orphanages any more than Jesus authorized congregational support of motels, prisons and hospitals in Matthew 25. He has only individual concerns and responsibilities in mind as is demonstrated by the previous test and the last.

The equally challenging third test is holiness for the individual -- "to keep oneself unspotted by the world." Each member in the body of Christ should present "clean hands and a pure heart" to God (James 4:8). James has only the individual in mind. One who is looking for authorization for corporate activity here must find authority in some other text in God's word.

We must understand what this text does not teach and what it does not authorize as some have misused it. On the other hand, we must be careful to apply what it does teach and what it compels me to do in my pursuit of pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father! As James extensively proclaims in chapter 2, faith must be demonstrated. Faith must work to be of any real value.