Stay Pure: Avoid Worldly Pollution

In James 1:27, the Bible states that religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. This passage highlights the importance of caring for the vulnerable and not conforming to the patterns of the world. It serves as a reminder for Christians to maintain their values, attitudes, and faith while navigating the influences and ideologies of modern society. The phrase being polluted by the world suggests the presence of sinful or ungodly elements in our surroundings, emphasizing the need for believers to stay true to their religious principles and avoid being influenced by worldly perspectives that may contradict their faith.

Do not be dismissive of God because of the influence of non-believing friends and family

In the first century, James wrote to a wide audience about important elements that Christians should follow if their faith is to be considered "pure and faultless". One of these elements is to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. This means not conforming to the patterns of this world but instead being transformed by the renewal of one's mind, as stated in Romans 12:1-2.

It is important for Christians to be cautious of the influence of non-believing friends and family, who may be dismissive towards God. This can lead to a Christian becoming dismissive as well and thus being "polluted by the world". While there is much good in the world, there is also evil, and Christians must not be naive. They should let Christ be the Light that illuminates their path and is reflected in their lives, rather than allowing the smudge of a broken world to tarnish their shine.

James provides a test for true Christianity, which is rooted in God's heart and evident in one's actions. Genuine Christians care for the vulnerable and do not follow the world. They are called to love all people, including their enemies, and to treat everyone equally. This means not showing favoritism or partiality, as stated in James 2:1 and James 2:9.

By looking at one's calendar, budget, and life, one can see if they are truly following Christ and exhibiting sacrificial care for the marginalized. This does not necessarily mean adopting or fostering children, but it does mean being called to action in some way. Christians should not neglect this command or assume it is only for other believers. Instead, they should actively demonstrate their faith through their deeds, as stated in James 2:26, and care for widows and orphans, as commanded by God throughout the Bible.

Do not blindly follow societal norms without reference to Scripture

The Bible, in James 1:27, states:

> "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

This verse is not just about outward acts or social action, but about having the right thinking, values, and attitudes that are rooted in Scripture and not merely conformed to the patterns of this world.

For example, it is all too easy to drink society's Kool-Aid about what is right and wrong without any reference to Scripture. We can also become rabidly committed to one political party, to the extent that our ideological biases cause us to neglect the teachings of Jesus. Similarly, we might be influenced by friends or family members who are dismissive of God, causing us to become dismissive ourselves.

Therefore, we must be careful not to blindly follow societal norms without reference to Scripture. Instead, we should strive to have minds, values, and attitudes that are transformed by the renewing of our minds through God's Word, so that we may test and approve what God's will is.

Do not let political ideologies take precedence over the teachings of Jesus

In the first century, James wrote to a wide audience about some very important elements of Christianity, highlighting what it means to be a true follower of Jesus. James 1:27 states:

> "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

This passage sets out a test for true Christianity, rooted in God's heart. It is a reminder that genuine Christians are called to care for the vulnerable and to be careful not to follow the world.

The current of culture can be strong and all-encompassing. It is easy to get swept away and 'polluted' if we are not careful. For example, we may find ourselves drinking society's Kool-Aid about right and wrong without any reference to Scripture. We may become rabidly committed to a political party, to the extent that the teachings of Jesus barely fit into our political perspective. We may become dismissive of God because our friends or family are dismissive.

To keep ourselves from being polluted by the world, we must renew our minds and transform our thinking, values, and attitudes. We must remember that God is real, present, and active in our world. All human life is precious and sacred, and our bodies are sacred too. We are called to love all people, including our enemies.

As followers of Jesus, we must not let political ideologies take precedence over His teachings. We must not conform to the patterns of this world, but instead, be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may understand and carry out God's will. This includes caring for the marginalized and vulnerable, such as widows and orphans, as James instructs. By doing so, we show that our religion is pure and faultless in God's sight.

Do not let the evils of the world tarnish your shine

In the first century, James wrote to a wide audience about some very important elements of Christianity. He emphasized that a pure and faultless religion in the eyes of God is one that involves looking after orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself from being polluted by the world.

This idea of not being polluted by the world is a reminder for Christians to maintain their values, thinking, and attitudes, ensuring they are not influenced by the ungodly elements of society. It is a call to be cautious and mindful, as the current of culture can be strong and all-encompassing.

So, how can one avoid being polluted by the world and keep their shine intact?

Firstly, it is crucial to refer to Scripture when discerning right from wrong, rather than solely adopting societal norms and values. Secondly, it is important not to become overly committed to earthly ideologies, such as political parties, to the extent that they overshadow Christian teachings. Additionally, be cautious of the company you keep. If your friends or family are dismissive of God, it can influence your own beliefs and practices.

Remember, as Christians, we are called to love all people, including our enemies, and to treat everyone equally. Our actions should reflect Christ as the Light illuminating our path and shining through our lives. By caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, we demonstrate our faith and keep our shine untarnished by the evils of the world.

Do not be naive about the dangers of the world

The Bible offers guidance on how to live a life that is pure and faultless in the eyes of God. In James 1:27, the Bible states:

> Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

This passage highlights the importance of caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, such as widows and orphans, as well as remaining uncorrupted by the world.

The world is full of both good and evil. It is essential to recognize the dangers and evils that exist and not be naive about them. Here are some ways to avoid being polluted by the world:

• Reference Scripture: Do not simply accept society's norms about right and wrong. Instead, refer to Scripture to guide your values and actions.
• Avoid Ideological Commitment: Be cautious of becoming overly committed to a political party or ideology. Ensure that your beliefs align with the teachings of Jesus and are not influenced by partisan biases.
• Guard Against Negative Influences: Be aware of the potential negative influences of those around you. If friends or family members are dismissive of God, it can impact your own beliefs and practices.
• Maintain a Distinct Mindset: Romans 12:1-2 states, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This encourages Christians to have a mindset, values, and attitudes that are distinct from those of the world, including the belief in God's presence and the sacredness of human life and our bodies.
• Love All People: Christians are called to love everyone, including their enemies. This can be a way to remain unstained by the world and reflect Christ's light.
• Caring for the Vulnerable: James emphasizes that true followers of Jesus will exhibit sacrificial care for the marginalized and vulnerable. By focusing on serving others, Christians can avoid being polluted by worldly influences.

By heeding these instructions, Christians can strive to keep themselves from being polluted by the world and maintain a pure and faultless faith.

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