If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
(James 1:26-27, NASB)
Statistics would tell us that there are many, many “religious” people in our world. They are “spiritual.” They believe in a “higher power.” Some even call themselves Christians.
I can’t speak to those of other religions or belief systems. But I can speak to those who call themselves Christians yet don’t live anything like Christ. With their words and actions, they show hate and intolerance and anger. They put down others. They despise the sin and the sinner.
Tragically, this is often all the world sees of so-called Christians. And indeed Christianity that is not like Christ is “worthless.”
You know what kind of behavior attracts the world? That makes them look at our religion as worthy rather than worthless? When we act as Christ did. When we serve others. When we speak love. When we “visit orphans and widows in their distress.”
St. Francis of Assisi said, "The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.”
What sermon will you give today?
No comments:
Post a Comment