Pollution or Purity – September 29, 2019
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (see James 1:22-27)
Pollution and purity in the same sentence. It invites one to note what is being contrasted here by author James. Quite often, religious purity is linked to piety, personal morality, “clean living”, or theological and doctrinal orthodoxy. Here, purity is connected to one’s generous use of time and money, in the service of “orphans and widows.” In contrast to this “pure” form of religion, “being polluted by the world” may include the tendency to hoard one’s money, or remain preoccupied with self, or to ignore the needs of the poor.
Certainly, James’ letter addresses other behaviors and issues; spiritual pollution and purity take other forms, too. Taking care of orphans and widows, though, continues to be one of God’s top concerns since the days of the Prophets. It must be my concern, and your concern, as children of God.
Please sign-up and show up this Sunday. Executive Rob Stewart will be joining us to share about the ministry of New Horizons and the status of street-involved youth in Seattle. Gathered items will be delivered to New Horizons this Wednesday when some of us serve dinner. Please join this effort; reach out to someone you could invite along!
NEXT FOUR SUNDAYS
- September 29th – SERVE TOGETHER SUNDAY; Rob Stewart of New Horizons visiting; see SIGN UP LIST for needed donations
- October 6 – YOM KIPPUR; Hebrews 9
- October 13 – GRATITUDE; Chris Fulkerson preaching
- October 20 – SURPRISE
YOUNG CHURCH
- Crash course and hands-on training in generosity
- Exposure to, and awareness of, urban social and economic refugees (street-involved youth)