One of my favourite books of the Bible has always been James, and for many years, James 1:27 has been my life verse. As I’ve ahem matured, its meaning has only grown richer:
“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.”
When I was younger, what stirred my heart most in James 1:27 was the call to care for widows and orphans. That call still moves me—but over the years, I’ve found the second part of the verse speaking more deeply to me: “To keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” To care for others and to keep myself wholly surrendered to Christ—that’s still the goal. The book of James is full of down-to-earth, practical wisdom for how to actually live that out in our everyday lives.
This Sunday, I’m excited to explore more from James on how we live out our faith—specifically, James’ call to patience.
To me, few things embody patience better than gardening. It’s a one-shot deal each year: you prepare the soil, plant faithfully, and wait—hoping that what you’ve done will be enough. Weeks later, you might see growth. A month later, you may harvest. And sometimes? Nothing grows, and you realize you’ll have to wait an entire year to try again. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit.
Gardening—and life—requires patience.
James reminds us to be patient with people, with trials, with ourselves, and even with God. One way I practice patience and guard my heart from the distractions of this world is by looking outward—focusing on the needs of others. It’s a beautiful (and often challenging!) way to live. I don’t always get it right, but I regularly ask the Lord for help.
As we approach Back-to-School season, there’s a beautiful opportunity to put James 1:27 into action and to show the kind of patience and compassion James encourages in chapter 5.
This Back-to-School season, you have a chance to care for others in a tangible way. Our Care Closet is hoping to collect 50 backpacks and a variety of school supplies to bless families in need in our community. Would you consider helping us meet that goal? We’re looking for child and youth-sized backpacks for all genders. Amazon already has some great deals if you’re looking for an easy place to shop.
For many of us, buying school supplies is routine. But for some families, it’s a heavy burden on an already tight budget. Your donation can make a real difference.
Our Back-to-School Care Closet is happening on August 23rd.
Backpacks and school supply donations can be dropped off anytime before then.
Thank you for living out James 1:27 in such practical, prayerful, and generous ways. I’m looking forward to digging into the Word with you this Sunday!
With gratitude,
Erin
THIS SUNDAY
SUNDAY, August 3 @ 10am
FARM TO TABLE
The Patient Farmer
Erin Jamieson
Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!
10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+Church Online)