Religion, Of All Things!

A woman, out doing her Christmas shopping, came across a nativity scene displayed in a department store window. As she peered through the window she snapped, "Now look what they're trying to drag into Christmas. Religion!"

Speaking of religion: The reality, for us as Christians, is that every aspect of our lives ought to be touched by our "religion". Many claim that "Jesus is the reason for the season." Others urge for Christ to be kept in Christmas. Whatever we might think about that (not knowing exactly when Jesus was actually born), when such emphasis is being made, what is being reflected by the rest of the life at all other times of the year?

What we believe is made evident by the way we conduct our daily life. RELIGION is more than what we do together in our church assemblies. Have we attached our faith to some aspects of our life, but not to others? The world soon picks up on that type of inconsistency. Our actions are a powerful communicator of our faith. How serious are we about it?

James admonished. . .
"(26) If anyone thinks he is RELIGIOUS and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's RELIGION is worthless. (27) RELIGION that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." ( James 1:26-27 ESV)

And Peter wrote. . .
"(11) whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies -- in order THAT IN EVERYTHING GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." ( 1 Peter 4:11 ESV)

Genuine active faith keeps our RELIGION a part of our daily activity.

OF ALL THINGS, MAY OUR RELIGION BE PRACTICED DAILY!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 12/17/1998 (edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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See other teEn-MAIL on Consistency