Pure and Undefiled Religion

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." James 1:27 NLT

James 1:27 is a verse that I have been thinking about over the past few days. Some translations translate the 1st part of the verse as "pure" and "undefiled" religion. Either way - PURE, GENUINE, UNDEFILED religion (or faith) in the sight of God is one that cares for and ministers to orphans and widows. God's Word teaches us: "A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation." (Psalm 68:5). It's no wonder that James (half-brother of Jesus) would teach us to be like God!

The question remains: What are we doing to care for the orphans and widows? How are we reaching out to the disenfranchised among us? The number of orphans in homes and foster care is staggering in America and around the world. Not only that, but I wonder how many widows are out in the world fending for themselves or living in retirement homes/nursing facilities with no one to visit them.

Trust me when I say that this topic hits me directly between my spiritual eyes. I have been a part of churches that go regularly to the nursing homes to sing, speak, and visit. However, since I became the pastor of a young congregation, we aren't as in touch with this ministry. It usually makes a difference when you have family members IN the nursing/retirement home. Sure, we have gone during the special occasions but I'm sensing a need to do more.

As for the orphans...We give to a children's home - We minister to them on the mission field - but outside of that...? What can we do to alter this? We make it a point to make a difference. (Honesty is hard isn't it?)

I read of a pastor in Texas who led his congregation to adopt. Not only did he lead the congregation through the teaching of the Word but also through the vision that God gave him to impact a generation. He has adopted children and so has his congregation! Adoption is the process whereby a person assumes the parenting for another and, in so going, permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities from the original parent/parents. It's a legal process of bringing a child into the care of another. What a ministry!

What do we believe? We believe that our faith and prayer lead us to solutions. We believe that we will be lead to those who have needs that we can fill. Could God use our faith and prayers to lead us to adopt? ABSOLUTELY! Could God say to a church family, "I want you to spiritually impact a generation of children."? WITHOUT A DOUBT! I'm not saying that you have to adopt to care for the orphans. What I am saying is that we can do more.

Countless opportunities are available through Christian Adoption Groups. You can support a home, sponsor a child through the caring process, and prayerfully consider if God wants you to open your home and heart to a child in need. Whatever God leads you to do - DO IT with your whole heart.

Almighty God,
I come to You as one who is humbled by this great need. I also come to You confessing that I could have done more. My prayer to You is that we be filled with a heart of compassion for those in need. May we make it our aim to live a faith that is pure and undefiled before You and the world. May it be said of us that we followed Your heart to care for the orphans and widows. May we be resolved to follow however you lead.
In Jesus Name
AMEN