At the Heart of Hypocrisy

James 1:26-27

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Hypocrisy is basically saying one thing and doing something opposite or different than what you said. At he heart of it is often the desire to "BE" religious.

As James finally finishes up this thought on being doers verses hearers only this might be the the climax of it all. People these days HATE religion....And who can blame them??? Religion is based off of a bunch of rules and regulations that you are "supposed to" follow...But what James is saying is that if Religion was PURE it would be done from the heart.

When you worry about SERVING OTHERS first (whether it's orphans or widows or WHOEVER) then you are LIVING OUT your faith. Paul calls that LIBERTY.

When you live with an understanding that you have been given liberty IN Christ because of what He has done for you, then you won't WORRY about following rules...you will DESIRE to serve your Lord.

And you will NEVER have to SAY a word about your "religion" because you faith will SPEAK volumes and your walk and talk will match up. (and put an end to the hypocrisy that IS religion)

Peace out friends.