Verse for the Week

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. ~ James 1:26-2

Tomorrow is the feast day for St. James of Jerusalem, Apostle and brother of our Lord Jesus Christ. I thought it fitting that we ponder one of the many gems found in his short epistle (letter). James has instituted a religious test, but not for government office. Instead, James' test is for seeing if our religion is pure or worthless. The rest of the epistle deals with practical Christian living as well, so if you are in need of a refresher course, just consult James this week. He'll help you out.