Do you consider yourself religious? If so, is it because you attend worship services regularly? Have you considered that Jesus was not religious in the way we consider religion? Do you know that being religious in Jesus’ time meant being pious?
We see many people who are religious today, yet they are not pious. They follow a set of traditions, but do not know the Bible. There are many people who view going to church more of a social activity than bowing before a Holy God who has created them.
To be religious in the first century context means to show reverence, devotion, and worship God. It means to bow before him and offer our allegiance. It means being loyal to God, including his promises, teachings, and commandments. It means giving up our preferences in deference to God’s.
It is no wonder James chastises his readers for allowing their mouth to run wild rather than holding their opinions and judgments. When we rattle off obscenities, scornful remarks, judgmental remarks, or forcing our views on others, we do not honor God.
If we desire to be pious, we must bow before God with a humble heart. We must be willing to set aside our desires for his. But that can only happen when we finally open our hearts and our eyes to see him for who he is. As long as we hold on to our own ideals and think as the world thinks, we continue to hold God at arm’s length, failing to truly see him. Once we start seeing him for who he is, getting just a glimpse, we will either run away or run toward him. It will all depend on whether we want to be obedient and are willing to give up ourselves.
I pray we seek to see God for who he truly is. I pray we show reverence to God. I pray each one of us will run toward God, giving up ourselves, so we can be pious as Jesus was. Seek to see God. Show reverence to God. Run toward God. Give up your preference. Be pious.
James 1:26 If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.
Marty Pressey 