RPG Adults
A VAIN RELIGION
MONDAY, OCTOBER 24
James 1:26
Proverbs 13:3
“He that keepeth his mouth
keepeth his life…”
A VAIN RELIGION
A believer who lives a godly life is expressed as one who lives as God would have him to live. James reminds the dispersed believers to maintain a life manifesting godliness. This example is learned from what Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:13-16. However, your religion is “vain” (James 1:26) when you:
(a) Bridle not your tongue: To bridle is to exercise close control over a certain function. It specifically means to exercise self-control. A person who does not bridle his tongue cannot control what he says. It is as if he cannot tie his tongue down or, simply, he cannot stop talking. The Book of Proverbs repeatedly warns against an unguarded tongue (Prov 10:19- 21, 31; 13:2-3; 15:2; 16:10; 19:1; 21:23 and Ps 32:9). Peter declares, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” (1 Pet 3:10-11).
(b) Deceive your own heart: He is a Christian who deludes himself to believe that he is right when he is wrong. He flatters himself, saying the right thing according to his own assessment, not according to God’s Word. He is a great pretender and thinks he is holier than others. This causes him to slander others while he assures his own heart that he is well and right. This is self-deception.
The word “vain” pertains to a useless thing or life characterised as futile and lacking in content: futile and empty. Not bridling his tongue and deceiving his own heart, this man’s testimony and witness towards others would be fruitless. His claims as a follower of Christ are negated by his untamed tongue. The Apostle Paul encourages in Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
THOUGHT: Is my religion vain? Am I a useless and futile Christian?
PRAYER: Father, please help me truly live out a life that keeps my tongue glorifying and honouring Thee.