“If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:26-27).
In the final two verses of this chapter, the inspired penman describes three essential fruits of a profitable and pure religion. The third of these is a holy life.
An ongoing pursuit of holiness which intentionally refrains from those people, places, and activities which leave blemishes on the soul is another proof that the implanted word is being fruitful in the soil of your heart.
Christ expects His disciples to live in the world (John 17:15-16) but not be conformed to it (Romans 12:2). The cleansing function of God’s grace and word is to rid you of all filthiness and wickedness so that you live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age.
Without holiness, you won’t see God (Hebrews 12:14). Without holiness, your religion is worthless.
