American Christianity has lost its way. In our pursuit to conform to the image of a God we have created, we have distorted the scriptures to suit our own desires. We have created a God in our own image, one that is palatable and convenient. We have traded surrender for comfort, love for tolerance, and holiness for worldliness. In doing so, we have lost sight of what it truly means to follow Jesus.
But this is not just a problem in America. It is a problem for the Church in America. We have become an American Church, rather than an expression of the Church in America. We have forgotten that our calling is to live out the Gospel in America, not to Americanize Jesus or the Gospel. We have compromised, sold out, and become apathetic, all while labeling it as true biblical Christianity. But it's not.
Martin Luther once said, "A religion that gives nothing, that costs nothing, that suffers nothing, is worth nothing." It's time for us to reevaluate our faith and rediscover what true and acceptable religion looks like. In the book of James, we find a guide to living out a genuine faith in Christ.
James emphasizes the importance of a changed heart in true religion. He reminds us that our faith should not just be empty ritual, but a transformation of our innermost being. It is not enough to listen to the word of God; we must also put it into practice. True biblical Christianity requires a heart that is surrendered to God and willing to follow Jesus in obedience.
James encourages us to approach the truth of God's Word with open ears, a controlled tongue, a calm spirit, and a clean heart. We are called to be doers of the word, not just hearers. The faith that truly pleases God is one that is lived out in every aspect of our lives, not just on Sunday mornings.
Another key aspect of true religion is compassionate living. James urges us to sacrificially care for those in need, particularly orphans and widows. We are called to seek them out, meet their needs, and show them the love of Christ. This goes beyond just giving money or resources; it requires genuine care and concern for their well-being.
But compassionate living does not stop there. True religion also calls us to live in a way that is separate from the ways of the world. We must not allow the values and desires of the world to influence us. Instead, we are called to live holy and set-apart lives, reflecting the character of Christ in everything we do.
One area where the Church often fails in living out true religion is in the area of favoritism. James warns against showing partiality to the rich and influential, while disregarding the poor and marginalized. True religion does not show favoritism; it treats all people with love, dignity, and respect.
Favoritism reveals a heart that is not aligned with the heart of Christ. It shows a lack of understanding that we are all equal in God's eyes and that our worth is not determined by our social status or material possessions. Instead, we should consider others as more important than ourselves and seek to meet their needs.
James reminds us that true religion is not about following a set of rules or empty rituals. It is about having a changed heart, living compassionately, and rejecting the ways of the world. It is about loving God and loving others with all that we are. As followers of Jesus, may we strive to live out true and acceptable religion in our daily lives.