James 1:27 says “pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress.” God SEES and cares about those who are hurting and in distress. He also wants us to have hearts of compassion towards those who are hurting.

But, the verse doesn’t just end there. There is more. It also says “and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

If we, the body and bride of Christ, look just like the world, there is a problem. If we see the world through the same lens as unbelievers, there is a problem. If our solutions to the problems are the same as the world’s solutions, there is a problem. We have become very “stained by the world”.

I know that many are praying for a great revival and awakening in our country. Let’s pray specifically for a revival and awakening in the church. There are many in the church who are not preaching the gospel according to Jesus. May we love Jesus and His Gospel above all else. May we be able to see and identify where we have been lead astray, repent, and put first things first.

“For I delivered to you AS OF FIRST IMPORTANCE what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures.” -1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

The gospel is the most important. If we create the most “just” society on the face of the earth, and we have not shared with people the Gospel, it was all for nothing.