“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
TEXT — James 1:26,27
Message
American preacher, Chuck Colson, remarked that when the Communists took over Russia in 1917, they did not make Christianity illegal. The Soviet constitution still guaranteed freedom of religion. However, what they did was make it illegal for the churches to do “good works” or render helpful services in the communities. The churches were no longer allowed to do what they had always done: feed the hungry, educate children, take care of widows and orphans, or care for the sick. The result was that the church became ineffective in the communities in which they lived after some time.
Apostle James, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, simplified what Christianity means. It is not about religion but relationships and love. This is broadly divided into two parts: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep ourselves spotless in the world. Our claim of religion and piety will be spurious if we do not impact our communities in these ways.
However, while carrying out our acts of charity, we do not need a camera to publicise to the world whatever help we are rendering. All we need is to go with a heart to genuinely care for the needy, showing them love with respect. Caring for the poor in itself is not enough proof of Christianity. Many religious bodies, non-profit groups, and other charity organisations, caregivers, etc. do the same. Ours must be different and motivated by the genuine intent to demonstrate the love of God to the needy and help them find comfort and solace in Christ.
We will be failing in our calling as church and individual Christians if we neglect to show love and care to the poor and needy around us. These acts of charity must start at home. We must identify the poor and needy within our congregations and provide adequately for them. We do not have to wait for church leadership to direct us to do this. As Christians, we should endeavour to include care for needy people in our monthly budgets and do it cheerfully. No doubt, if we sincerely take care of the poor around us as the Scripture exhorts, we will strengthen the church and powerfully affect the communities around us for Christ.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
1 comment
In my own time now he is the most powerful, I mean number one, God has lifted him up, above others, and we and I Will follow him and God will do the wonders even through his children in Jesus name amen.
In my own time now he is the most powerful, I mean number one, God has lifted him up, above others, and we and I Will follow him and God will do the wonders even through his children in Jesus name amen.