REAL RELIGION!

REAL RELIGION!

James 1:26-27

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Luke 10:33-34

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

          It is too easy to blame the priest and the Levite and forget that we too often fail at the basic element of real religion which is to practically apply its teachings. The priest had been ministering in the Temple and was anxious to get home. Perhaps the robbers were still nearby and he didn’t want to chance becoming another victim. The Levite might have been concerned about becoming defiled by touching a dead man, if he was dead, or by contacting blood if he was still alive. Surely someone else would come by later.

          It is too easy to become engaged in attending church and evaluating the quality and content of sermons instead of actually applying the principles of my faith. The Samaritan did what Jesus taught. He loved those who hated him and gave to the one who could not repay him. He received no reward or honor for his kindness as far as we know.

          That homeless man you meet along the way that breaks your heart and makes you late for church because you stopped to help might have actually taught you more about real religion than another hour of listening to sermons.

Luke 10:36-37

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Dear Lord, too often I am the Priest and Levite. Help me today to be the Samaritan. AMEN