Labels are for Soup Cans

“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” –James 1:26-27

It can be quite hilarious to look and see how many different labels people can give themselves when it comes to Christianity. If you ask people to label their faith, they may say that they are Spirit-filled, that they are non-denominational, or one who holds to reformed theology. Of course, one thing that few people say they are any more is religious. Religion is a dirty word in Christianity for many people. There is even a web site (which is actually pretty good) called notreligion.com. Of course, they say that they are not interested in religion, but rather a relationship with God. Not to rain on their parade, but if you ask them to describe a relationship with God, they would probably include praying to God (a religious activity), worshipping God with other believers (a religious gathering), and walking with Jesus (a religious figure).

So what’s the point? Well, here James doesn’t argue semantics. He uses a plain old word for religion—not plain to the Bible, as this is the only place it is found, though its variants are used many times. It simply means religious activity. That is why it is translated ‘religion.’ Here’s the deal: I’m not totally against labels. In some ways, it makes communication easier. However, we worry so much about people labeling us wrong or calling us ‘religious’ (Which by the way, they will anyway! Even if you ask them not to!) rather than simply living according to God’s standards. If people want to call it religion, then fine. Let them. James called it religion. But yet what he said stands out, because it is religion that is lived out in Jesus Christ.

So, don’t worry about the labels that people give your faith. Labels are for soup cans any way. Simply concern yourself with how you live, and may how you live be a testimony to them that what you have is more than just another case of religion.