The Ultimate Stain Remover

James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

I carry a Tide to go pen-like stick in my purse and keep one handy in our master bathroom’s vanity drawer. I hate it when I get a stain on my shirt or clothes while eating. It ruins the whole outfit.  This handy item has been useful in removing small stains on my clothes instantly. James has been teaching about keeping a tight rein on the tongue. One’s testimony can be stained and ruined by a few angry words instantly. 2 Peter 3:14 declares: “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these (new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells v.13), be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish and be at peace.” Receiving the full reward of eternal life is for Christians who have been diligent and morally pure. We must live and act before the world “without spot or blemish.” That is a continual challenge we all face. When I was a child, my mother taught me that uneducated people use swear words because their vocabulary does not adequately contain highly educated words to express what they are saying; food for thought when this is around you. She also said this shows they have a low IQ. Again, food for thought on her motherly teaching.

James wrote on practical Christian living much like found in the book of Proverbs. He taught on the importance of living out actively Christian character rather than just reading about it. James scolded his readers by giving a command to keep oneself unstained from the unrighteousness so prevalent and to get right with God. He warned against hypocrisy. Why too often is anger our default setting? What comes out of the mouth initially comes from the heart (Matthew 15:18-20).

How else can you keep yourself “unstained” and live in the reality that you are a child of God (Romans 8:16)? John warned believers in 1 John 5:21, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” We all are tempted in this area. “From the book of Genesis, Lot is an example of a man who was spotted by the world. He started living towards Sodom, disregarding the spiritual climate of the area because of the prosperity of the area. Eventually he moved to the wicked city and became a part of the city’s leadership. The end result was that Lot lost everything – and was saved as only by the skin of his teeth.” David Guzik Commentary, Blue Letter Bible. Lot was a friend of the world whereas Abraham, had a greater ministry, and was a known as a friend of God, yet not of the world.

Minister to others that need your timely words and deeds of encouragement. Be an example. James references orphans and widows in James 1:27, as they were frequent OT examples, and 1 Timothy 5:3-16 instructs the church to look after widows and to honor them. Needy people need to be looked after by the Christian community. Proverbs 11:28 states, “Whoever brings blessings will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Receive and share the Word of God where opportunities arise. Have your speech unstained from occurring frustrations. Look for opportunities to serve others and meet their needs. Practice what you read and hear from God’s Word. Look for ways to put it into practice. Maybe saying, “I am sorry, please forgive me” will be like one of those Tide pens that remove stains on clothes and will remove a stain left on someone’s memory that needs to be removed.

May my words today be wise, helpful, needed, and beneficial in humility that He has called me to rather than foolish. Ecc. 7:9 NIV states,” Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”

Listen to Casting Crowns Dessert Road (Lyric Video).