KEEPING UNSPOTTED -- Monday:
The world is a contaminated realm, and contaminates or defiles those living close to it. The world has a fashion, form, or manner, that is passing away (1 Cor 7:31). Like a rotting corpse, it is passing away. The defilement it causes is nothing less than the defilement of death. It is not only the opposite of the effects of life, but sharply conflicts with them. That is why the world's manners must not be found on those who wear the name of Jesus.
Our text speaks of a "religion" that is "pure and undefiled before God and the Father." Contrary to much that is said about "religion," therefore, it is not a bad word. Nor, indeed, is it to be despised. In the Word of God, the word "religion" means religious service or worship, particularly external observances. This particular word is used five times in Scripture (Acts 26:5; Gal 1:13,14; James 1:26,27). The first three references have to do with Paul's former manner of life, referring to his life as a Pharisee and zealousness in the "Jew's religion." The last two address the conduct, or outward lives, of the believer.
James' first reference deals with the use of the tongue – how a person speaks. "If," he says, "anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless" (1:26). That is an arresting consideration, and is no doubt convicting to many sensitive souls. In this case, an uncontrolled tongue actually invalidates all other religious service, or outward piety. Oh, for grace to take hold on this word!
Having said this, James, the brother of our Lord, mentions "pure and undefiled religion," that is, devout activity that is recognized by God. His summation of this activity is two-fold. First, such "religious" is made known in attentiveness to the needs of the helpless–"widows and orphans." That is not simply thinking about them, but actually assisting them IN their need. From the very first, the church was noted for such activity (Acts 6:1-3).
The second trait of "pure and undefiled religion" is intensely personal. It involves keeping "oneself unspotted from the world" (NKJV). Newer versions read, "unstained from the world." There is a certain manner in the world that can contaminate, defile, and stain, the believer. Remember, this has to do with outward conduct, or external manners. There is an inward defilement also (Matt 15:19), but that is not the subject of this text. "Religion" is associated with externals.
Because we are not to judge others "according to appearance" (John 7:24), this text speaks of personal activity: i.e., "keep oneself unspotted from the world." Further, it has directly to do with the service of God.
To incorporate the way of the world into the service of God is particularly reprehensible. Whether it is found in a highly polished ritual, a popular approach to music, of the attire of those serving the Lord, the spot of the world is not to be found upon us. It is particularly important for those who are young to see the truth of this. The idea is that people who observe us should not have difficulty determining whether we are Christians or not. A clear line is to be drawn between those who are of the world, and those who are of God. Each is responsible to make sure that line is drawn.
PRAYER POINT: Father, In the name of Jesus Christ, grant me grace to keep myself unspotted from the world.