“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
James 1:27
Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. 2009. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
The equal and other side to True Religion is the tending to one’s own Spiritual posture before God. No amount of service done in the name of Christ is pure without personal devotion in the presence of God our Father. His love demands our loyalty and openness with Him on all matters. His great love expects our lives to look outwardly as they are inwardly. Those held in the grip of His lovingkindness will be set apart from the world in affection, understanding and action.
“‘Make no mistake,’ He says, ‘If you let me, I will make you perfect. The moment you put yourself in My hands, that is what you are in for. Nothing less, or other, than that. You have free will, and if you choose, you can push Me away. But if you do not push Me away, understand that I am going to see the job through. Whatever suffering it may cost you in your earthly life, whatever inconceivable purification it may cost you after death, whatever it costs Me, I will never rest, nor let you rest, until you are literally perfect – until my Father can say without reservation that He is well pleased with you, as He said He was well pleased with Me. This I can do and will do. But I will not do anything less.’”
Lewis, p. 202
Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity. Harper Collins Publishers, 2017.
God wants us perfectly set apart. He calls His followers out of the world, yet allows them to remain on the earth. There have been many holiness renaissances: ascetic monks and Puritans being some of the most prominent. John and Charles Wesley’s own Oxford discipleship group was dubbed the “Holy Club”. The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul is captivating in its description of God’s sovereign otherness. That leaves the Jesus-follower in the great conundrum of how those with a drive to serve the least must also remain uninhibited by vice and sin themselves, captivated with complete purity. We are called to serve the dirty and remain pristine ourselves.
This is the tension in which the Jesus-follower is called to abide in. His followers are to be at home with God in all places, in all circumstances. Even in the face of adversity, temptation, and opportunity we are to stand out as a pure people. We are the living utilitarian instruments of God. In His hands and under His guidance we are sure to be used for the highest purposes and the most effective potency in bringing glory to His name. Remaining connected to God’s power is second only to continuing in the service of others in the Jesus-follower’s priorities. In some capacity, activity serves as an energizer. Jesus Himself said that His food was to do the will of God the Father (Jn. 4:43). But even Jesus needed to retreat for times of renewal, reflection and rejuvenation (Lk. 5:16). We all need moments to sit on the borders of the business and talk with God.
“The only thing that will enable me to enjoy adversity is the acute sense of eagerness of allowing the life of the Son of God to evidence itself in me.”
Chambers, May 14
Chambers, Oswald, and James Reimann. My Utmost for His Highest. Discovery House, 2018.
If there is one thing Oswald Chambers knew it was the importance of a dedicated relationship with God. His classic devotional book stands as a testament to an individual’s relentless pursuit of God’s presence and the physical embodiment of His will. Above he describes the intense and willing submission one must agree to, that they might experience the joy of God amidst severe and compromising situations.
“Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t stifle the Spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.”
1 Th. 5:16-22
Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. 2009. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
If any Biblical passage loosely summarizes the devotions of the Christian life, this one fits the bill. Joy is an everyday essential. Prayer should never end. Thankfulness pours out in every situation – this being God’s desire for Jesus-followers. Never beat down the urgent nudge of the Holy Spirit. Never hold a deep-seeded hatred for things spoken that go along with God’s desires. Instead, see how those things hold up against God’s desires. Keep far away from anything that is obviously evil in every way, shape, and form. This sets the stage for holiness, for in such a situation the Jesus-follower can truly embody His image and the holiness of God.
True and active religion is fueled by an intimate relationship with God defined by communication, receptivity, and obedience to Him. His holiness is sure to shine through us when we connect with Him. We are conduits through which God is alive and active in the world today. There is a reason that the Church, God’s called out ones, are also known as the body of Christ. He fills us with His Holy Spirit. We are His literal hands and feet, meeting people where they are with the Good News of God’s love for all people. God lives through His people, made holy and set apart, graced by His love.
“Remember, God is as Great as He is Good”
Noah R. Hunt
POIEMA: Created for Truth 