Digging Deeper James 1:26-27

One of the hard-hitting topics we will be covering in our journey through the book of James is the tongue. It is a difficult topic because it applies to every one of us. This week's verse makes the connection between our tongue and our faith/religion. James 1:26-27 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. Commentary: If anyone thinks he is religious [This refers to ceremonial public worship...James chose this term, instead of one referring to internal godliness, to emphasize the external trappings, rituals, routines, and forms that were not followed sincerely.] and does not bridle his tongue [Bridle means 'control,' or as another translation renders it, 'keep a tight rein.' Purity of heart is often revealed by controlled and proper speech...] but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled [James picks two synonymous adjectives to define the most spotless kind of religious faith - that which is measured by compassionate love...] before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows [Those without parents or husbands were and are an especially needy segment of the church... Since they are usually unable to reciprocate in any way, caring for them clearly demonstrates true, sacrificial, Christian love.] in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world [The evil world system...]. The italicized words in [ ] are quoted from The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg. 1885. Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren. UPCOMING EVENT May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 3rd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 7th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds by the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. Last year Victory Call subscribers raised $760.00 and Freedom Fighter’s subscribers raised $725.00. Victory Call WON! In reality, the Addiction Recovery ministries won because together we raised $48,968.65. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MAY 7th at 2 PM in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!