Monday, August 9, 2010

Religion and Religiously

How often have we heard someone say something like, "He goes to the gym religiously" or "She checks up on her parents religiously." We know what that means. They do these things faithfully and consistently.
Here's my question. Do you practice your religion religiously? Just because one may "have a religion" does not mean they are faithful or consistent in their practice of it. It does not make it a priority in their lives. Oh how we need more Christians to practice Christianity religiously.
According to James 1:26, it is possible to have a useless religion. However, if we want to practice pure religion, we must strive to meet the needs of others and keep ourselves "unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). Remember, it does not matter how religious you are if you don't practice your religion religiously!

Just a note: I have heard that there are some now referring to our First Amendment right of freedom of religion as "the freedom to worship." We should be careful to point out that worship is a part of our religion and the First Amendment encompasses much more than that. Otherwise, the argument will eventually be made by those who oppose Christianity that certain aspects of our religion may be regulated by the state. May we ever be vigilant about this precious freedom.