Free or Slave? - Pt 2

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:19-27 ESV). Yesterday we looked at the concept of being addicted to religion. Today we will see some of the practical ways to measure the authenticity of our religious lives. As surely as there are negatives, unhealthy, and addictive ways to practice religion, there is a way that is faithful to God’s intention. This "pure and faultless" approach to the Christian faith generates personal fulfillment and honors Christ.  The first thing to notice about authentic religion is that it is always relationship oriented. As opposed to seeing Christianity as a plan or system, Scripture reveals that everything reduces to two great commandments about loving God and neighbor. It is love for God that keeps one free of sin; it is love for neighbor that makes one sensitive to people in distress. Addictive approaches to religion pile up good works and try to win acceptance; true religion accepts God's unconditional love and passes it on to others.  Second, pure religion is lived within community. The Church (note capital “c”) is a body of supportive and nurturing people who worship together, pray for one another, and pay attention to one another's needs. Without being meddlesome or intrusive, believers have a reasonable sense of responsibility for the welfare of others.  Third, genuine Christian faith acts on its profession of love and community to bring about increased social justice. Widows, orphans, homeless persons, people with AIDS, crime's victims and perpetrators, all of these and others cannot be excluded from the love of God that is mediated through his faithful people. Because God cares about people in distress, His church ministers to them.  Fourth, the people who live their faith in such a healthy way are reassured by the indwelling Spirit of God and experience a sense of personal well being, assurance, and peace in their daily lives. In other words, they move from the insecurity and fear of religion addiction to Christ-centered confidence. They no longer live in anxiety but trust, no longer live in fear of hell but in hope of heaven, no longer work to be accepted but rejoice in God's grace. Christ came to set us free. Which are you today: free or slave? You can be set free through faith in Christ. It is His grace and His grace alone that brings that freedom we long for. Trust Him today!