Pure and undefiled religion- Part 1

Thousands of books are out there to define what and how a Church should look like. Every Church has their own definition and interpretation of their Church confining to the denominational framework. However, the theology may look like, God keeps the Church in the prime position to reach out to the dying souls. It is a mandate that every individual is supposed to be part of the Church fellowship which are believed to provide ample opportunities for believers in the work of the mission (not limiting to getting money for Church needs alone), then serving those who are in need and speaking for those who cannot speak.

Our twenty-first century world is filled with human conflict, religious stagnation, secular cynicism, and oppression by immorality. It is the responsibility of the Church to rise up and do something about it.

Apostle James gives the best definition of what religion is, in fact what Pure religion is, “Pure and undefiled religion before God the father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”. James 1:27 CSB. This is fascinating, talking about undefiled religion? It is not a about, Baptist, Methodist, AG, Brethren and the list can go on. It is the body of Christ in spite of the differences.

The most important part of the verse that talks primarily about two major areas, 1. Looking after orphans and widows, 2. Keep oneself unstained and let me with all audacity make this point. A Church is not a Church if it is not caring for the most deprived people group. James is not just asking to take care of the poor, but to look after orphans and widows and deserted. To do this the Church needs to be well structured and intentional in its effort, and have a right understanding of the responsibilities of the Church.

Recently, I was shocked to hear the Pastor of a mega Church from India making this comment from the podium which said, if there are people who are divorced in the Church they should get out as the presence of God will not hover around in the Church and that was the most derogative remark you could ever hear from a pastor with large followers following him. It reminds me of what Cal Thomas writes, "The problem in our culture... isn't the abortionists. It isn't the pornographers or drug dealers or criminals. It is the undisciplined, un-discipled, disobedient, and Biblically ignorant Church of Jesus Christ." (Christianity Today, April 25 1994) When I quote Church, it is all of us. I am pressed to touch a little in my next article on domestic violence, abused and deserted single women.

The sanctuary of God is to be a holy place that provides a refuge from evil, as well as a place of refuge for the poor and oppressed. Diane Langberg Psychologist for Trauma survivors makes this comment, “Is the church of our Lord Jesus Christ willing to shed light in dark places and be a refuge for the brokenhearted and crushed?  If she is not then she is serving another god rather than the Holy One who became a babe.”. In Psalms 68:5 it says “God in His holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows. ”. 

J D Greer puts it beautifully, 'I see many churches failing to play their part—either as cultural prophet, speaking truth to power, or as being the faithful citizens committed to blessing the “city” in which God has placed us (Jeremiah. 29:7). I think we run the risk of either being too political or not political enough.' May God bless you as you take up the mandate of the Church and make difference in the society.

Blessings.