James 1:21 (NKJV)
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:22-27 (NKJV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; [24] for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. [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. [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. [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.
What a truly beautiful and amazing scripture. I know some people that are turned away from Jesus because of religion. The Bible tells us that religion is nothing to God. What God wants is our heart. He wants a relationship with us. When we truly love Him then obedience and lifestyle changes should naturally take place as we become closer to Him and in turn more and more like Him. Sure some things will be harder to give up and will require dedication and prayer, but it is always worth it. If you haven't truly done so yet- receive the Word which is able to save your soul. Start the relationship with Jesus now and don't wait- tomorrow may be too late.
