When it comes to belief in God, Canada’s young people are a lot like their elders, but they view religion as relatively unimportant, according to a federally sponsored study conducted by two experienced observers of Canadian social trends. The study was titled: “Entitled Canada’s Youth: Ready for Today”. The study was authored by Alberta sociologist Reginald Bibby and Ontario youth consultant Donald Posterski. The finding showed that 84 percent of the young people surveyed believe in God and 81 percent in the divinity of Jesus. Those figures are almost identical to previous Canadian statistics relating to the overall population. Over 80 percent of those surveyed said they would want a religious funeral or wedding; about 75 percent would involve a minister, priest, or rabbi in a birth-related rite. Only one in ten, however, indicated that God has “a great deal” of influence on how they live. Further, only one in 200 said they look to a religious leader for counsel or assistance.
The most remarkable thing about this study and these stats, are their proximity to us. I’m not speaking of the proximity of Canada to the United States. I’m speaking of the proximity of time. This study was done in 1989, some 32 years ago. How do you reckon it is now?
Religion. What a term! People have used that term to cause horrific things, while others have done blessed works in the name of it. The typical response from an unsaved person today is— ‘I don’t believe in organized religion’. No doubt… I prefer unorganized religion! I get their point, and in so many ways, I agree.
When reading James 1.26-27, there is a word that jumps off the page— “religion”. James uses it only 5 times, and all of them are negative, except this one. The entire passage is set up as a compare and a contrast. He speaks of a ‘counterfeit’ (vain) religion; and describes a ‘real’ (pure / undefiled) religion.
For those who would throw rocks at religion… I have to agree that modern so-called religion is vain and feckless. On the other hand, those who would decry hypocrite, need to step back for a second and look into this reading. James makes it clear that— real religion is not just seen in the sanctuary; it is lived on the street. He would say— real religion is not just seen on Sunday; it’s a lifestyle. In fact, real religion is ‘living out’ God’s word.
Jesus said so in Matthew 5.16— “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Talk is indeed cheap. The Apostle Paul agreed and did so by pointing out in 2 Corinthians 3.2 that we should be read like a book— Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: (emphasis mine in both cases)
The Word is lived out in our speech verse 26 says— “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.” He who does not bridle his tongue has a counterfeit religion. Period. James will have a lot more to say on this subject in chapter 3, but check out verse 27…
The Word is lived out in our service according to 27a— “To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…” We should go to see people, and care for those in need, while they are afflicted. In other words… care tangibly. For everyone, but especially for those who cannot care for themselves.
The Word is lived out in our separation verse 27b— “…and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” The world of which James speaks, is the system of life apart from God, and under the control of Satan. Living out God’s word is essential in the life of a believer. It defines Who we follow, and lays to rest the vain, dead religion made by hypocritical man. If you want to be Jesus’ disciple, you need to learn the word, obey the word, and if you learn and obey, then you should naturally live it out. If not— then something went wrong.
This brings us to the point of this word: religion.James chose the word religion, because religion is lived out in front of people. Religion will naturally be lived out based on the relationship we have on the inside. If there is no relationship or a fainting one, then the religion will be superficial. This is what separates our actions from being real or counterfeit. It also exposes our relationship as real or counterfeit. It should be natural for a believer to live what they have learned… but why? Verse 27 says— “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father…” Everything is in the presence of the Father. He who sent His only son to take our place, so we won’t have to taste the wrath to come.
Do you love Him? Everything is done in the presence of the Father. Love is why we are real. Love is why we live out the.
Jesus said in John 14.21,23,24— “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.”
Christianity is defined today by where you find yourself on Sunday morning. Just sitting in the building doesn’t mark you as a true believer. That is bad religion. People are watching and James knew it. This is why the word “religion” was used.
Who else is watching?