Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:26-27
“Most of the Jews ‘scattered among the nations’ were religious, however, James condemns those who claim to be religious but do not concern themselves with putting their beliefs into practice. Without action, good doctrine is useless. Pure religion shows itself in behavior. He gives an example of the type of behavior he has in mind: looking after orphans and widows.
This example derives from the Old Testament, which commanded God’s people to care for those who had no one to support them financially. Orphans had no fathers, widows no husbands and foreigners no land to cultivate. James does not mention foreigners in this letter because the Christian Jews to whom this letter is addressed were all foreigners themselves.
But pure religion is not just a non-governmental organization, an NGO doing social work. The work done by believers is the product of their faith and the religion is characterized by the holy lives of its members. Briefly put, the Word must produce in us acts that prove our relationship to God and a way of life that glorifies Him.”
Solomon Andria (Madagascar) in “James” in Africa Bible Commentary, Tokunboh Adeyemo, General Editor (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006).
Today GTP welcomes 27 stewards from across Francophone Africa to Yaoundé, Cameroon. I shot the new header photo from my hotel room (pictured above). In total, 33 people convene from 17 countries get trained to multiply faithful stewards in their countries. Everything we do aims to connect beliefs and behavior.
The first training is called Journey of Empowerment (JOE). We start it this evening and it runs through tomorrow. We deliver it in English with French translation. Learn more about JOE here. Watch a video, download the brochure, and/or register for the on demand cohort.
I appreciate the African mindset that comes out today. Notice that Africans might expect NGOs to take responsibility for widows and orphans. But we think and act the same thing in America and around the world.
We think it is someone else’s job to care for orphans, widows, or other destitute folks. James pins the responsibility on all who wants to have pure and blameless religion. What about you? How might God want you to connect your beliefs and behavior.
One more thing today. Consider joining me on a Journey through Advent. Click here to download my 30-day devotional, Waiting (start reading today on 1 December 2025).
And click here to register for zooms on 8, 15, and 22 December 2025 on which we will explore the topic of Waiting more deeply. You are welcome to attend, one, two, or all three zooms.