Before moving into chapter 2, I want to consider the real implications of the last two verses of chapter 1. "If one considers himself religious..." As I read these words, I visualize, in my mind's eye, millions of well-dressed people trekking to church buildings every Sunday, and considering themselves very religious for being there. Many of these same people will engage in talebearing, gossip, disparaging remarks, and other unhelpful speech with their friends, even while they are at "church". Often, even the preacher will incorporate judgmental and harsh evaluations of the faith of those who do not agree with his church's doctrinal or procedural rules. Of course, it would never occur to them that James could be talking about them when he says, "If one considers himself religious, and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, his religion is worthless." I think there is no command that people feel more pious and righteous in violating, than the command to "judge not". I sadly note that it was not thieves and robbers who hung Jesus on the Cross, but very religious people, whose religion they terribly misunderstood.
I am afraid most of us judge our religiosity by the club we belong to. If anyone dares to criticize the doctrine or practice of "our" church, we become very angrily defensive. Why? Unfortunately, it is because our religion is defined, not by the actions of our lives, but by the organization of which we are a member. This is not the last time James will say, "If you are truly religious, show me by the way you act!"
Then James closes this chapter with one definition of true religion: "...look after widows and orphans, and do not be polluted by the world"...two very important characteristics of the Christian personality. If you are to be a follower of Jesus Christ, you must be sensitive to the needs, the aches and pains, the sorrow and sadness of those who hurt. It was said of Jesus that He was tempted in all things, just as we are. This was not to make Him know how we felt, for as the Son of God, He knew. It was to make us know that He felt what we feel, and understood our pain and suffering, our trials and tribulations. Recently, a young man asked me to tell him what the real qualifications of an elder were. I told him the first and most important one was a sensitivity to the needs of those whom he was responsible to shepherd. Nothing could be more important for one who must protect and foster the growth of the spiritual life of those in his care. This is James' definition of true religion. Don't follow the world down the road of self-interest, and personal gratification, but feel the need, and reach out to others in all you do.
