James 1:25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Be not forgetful

I have recently started Jiu Jitsu at the ripe age of 51. The physical workout is awesome, and the atmosphere is welcoming. The problem with this is that when I actually go to roll with the people to practice, I can’t remember all the moves that I have been practicing. I know it takes time and muscle memory, but it becomes aggravating. But I know it takes time and effort, and eventually it will come to me.

Looking at the perfect law of liberty is the same. When we look at it at first, we are rookies. We need to continue on the road and remember what the traveling down it is all about. We are growing more and more in the image of Jesus. He is re-working who we are more into who we were intended to be. We are saved by grace, but we have to work to be more like Him. We have to read our Bibles, pray and witness to others. These are a few good steps to take when we first start the journey with Jesus.

Another step

James 1:26 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. We know how tough it is bridling the tongue. This is because it speaks the overflow of our hearts. Religion is different than a relationship. Religion does not change us eternally. When Jesus saves us, we get the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Through this relationship the Holy Spirit bridles the tongue because it helps rid us of the sin in our hearts.

James 1:27 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. The bottom line is that through the change in us, brought about by Jesus and the sanctification process, we can do what He calls us to do. We can visit and help widows and orphans and the needy and sick. We do this out of the overflow of love Jesus imputes into us.

How?

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Calling upon the only name that can save us, Jesus Christ, is the power that allows us eternal salvation. Have you called upon His name? Are you ashamed of His name? I am not ashamed to call upon Him or to testify of Him. It is the way to salvation!