To Do or Not to Do: The Hallmarks of True Religion | Greg Bartleson | James 1:22-27
As a science teacher ready to get back into it, I recall one of my own first chemistry labs in middle school. The ol’ litmus test checking for the presence of acid in something like vinegar. Remember? It was blue litmus paper turning “magically” and instantly into red when I brought them together. Exciting! If it was a base (alkaline) or any other substance – no change - boring. The paper doesn’t make the vinegar an acid, it simply reveals what’s already there. The liquid determines the color of the paper—not the other way around.
You know, I think there’s something here we can apply to our study of James this coming Sunday. God's Word can function like spiritual litmus paper. James in chapter 1 vv. 26-27 says that genuine faith leaves observable evidence. In this case, good works. This week at Grace we’ll be looking at two ways to respond to hearing the word of God: Hearing its instruction and walking away unchanged or one of hearing and being changed by it. Like that litmus test, the results will reveal what’s already there in the person. I’m looking forward to our time together on Sunday, with the book of James!
-Greg Bartleson | Elder board Chairman
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James 1:22-27
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 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. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 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.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 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.