Often I have heard the statement “He (or she) is not a ‘real’ Christian.” What then is real Christianity? What is it that shows our true love for Christ and his Kingdom?
I am working on a new class for this coming semester which will deal with the book of James in English (that is that one does not have to read Greek to attend the class). It seems to me that James tells us what is “real Christianity” in the first chapter of his letter. He says
James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
I was reminded of this passage lately because my son, Josiah, is getting ready to leave home for several months. He will be working for an organization that does exactly what James is speaking of, helps orphans. I am really proud of both of my children and the way that they have decided to do kingdom work. Charity is now a social worker (having just graduated with a degree in social work) and Josiah is now working to help children who cannot help themselves.
If you would like to know more about what Josiah is doing, and maybe even help out a little, check out his blog at http://brosiah.blogspot.com/2009/06/so.html I think that you will see why I am so proud.
Real Christianity does something. James is clear about that. So let us all not just sit here, but do something for the kingdom!
For the Lamb,
SamLam