Religion seems to have become a dirty word in the evangelical community. However, if we go to good ol' Webster's definition of religion, we find it is "a belief in a divine or superhuman power or powers to be obeyed and worshipped as the creator(s) and ruler(s) of the universe; expression of such belief in conduct and ritual; any specific system of belief and worship, often involving a code of ethics and a philosophy . . . ." I have heard evangelists say for years that "Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship." I happen to believe it's both. I would think that it testifies to the truth that Christianity is the one true religion because it is the only religion in which the Deity cares anything at all about those who serve Him; it is the only religion in which God is loving toward all His created beings. Christianity is a religion that requires a relationship with God.

That being said, James 1:27 takes an interesting look at what Christianity is and what it is not. Let me rephrase the verse using a literal translation: "The ceremony of religion that is clean and uncontaminated (unpolluted) to God the Father is this: to care for those in need and to stay away from the soil and pollution of the world." 

Think for a moment about how pollution effects people in the natural world. Pollutants spoil the environment in which we live. They mar the beauty of God's creation. Sulfur oxide pollutants in the air can literally cause steel to erode four times faster than normal. Soot, smoke, asbestos and so on damage the soil, structures, and the health of people exposed to them. Chemical pollutants can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia in humans. Continued exposure can cause lung cancer, heart disease, damage to the brain, nerves, liver and kidneys, and even death. 

Sin is the spiritual pollutant. What was created in the beginning as a pristine spiritual environment has become overrun with sin which destroys the true beauty of God's creation, His children. It causes erosion of relationships, particularly an individual's relationship with God. It gets into the "atmosphere" and spreads to those who are exposed unaware. It causes fear, doubt, unbelief, discouragement, depression, grief, hopelessness, and eventually, spiritual death. "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissention among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16-19). These pollutants are very common. In fact, we see and experience them every day from the leaders of countries to our own friends and families.

"Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up His soul to an idol or swear by what is false" (Psalm 24:4).  Is there a way to clean up our hands and our hearts, and to rid ourselves of our spiritual pollution? Jesus is the undefiled, unsoiled, unpolluted, spotless Lamb of God. "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!"

Thank You, Jesus, for the Blood! Amen