The last two verses in James 1 are fascinating to me. The word "religion" does not appear much in the New Testament (five times). 4 of those occasions are in these verses. It is obvious from v. 26 that real religion involved itself in meeting needs. Widows and orphans are mentioned as examples of people in distress who need a practical hand of help.

Verse 27 warns us against being polluted by the world. The emphasis seems to be the old adage - "being in the world but not of the world." Help the hurting, influence the distressed, be the hands and feet of Christ for those who are hurting; but do not become polluted by their behavhior. God loves the people of the world, but not the ways of the world (John 3:16, James 4:4). As we serve people and seek to influence them for Christ, we must maintain our purity and holiness as representatives for Christ.

True religion is not just what we beleive, but how we behave. As followers of Christ, we should desire for the love of Christ to flow through us in service to others.