But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:22-27
Note: From Biblehub about the word translated ‘religion / religious’ here.
“Thrēskos (Strong’s 2357) was used in Hellenistic Greek for a person devoted to cultic practice, emphasizing outward religious observance—rituals, ceremonies, and visible acts of worship. Classical writers applied it to followers who scrupulously fulfilled the requirements of their gods, while Hellenistic Jews employed it for those meticulous about temple or synagogue duties. The cognate noun thrēskeia (Strong’s 2356) speaks of “religion” in the sense of worship activities; thrēskos, therefore, characterizes the worshiper whose life is marked by such activities.”
“The only New Testament appearance is James 1:26, where the apostle employs the adjective to expose a disconnect between profession and practice: “If anyone among you thinks he is religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless” (James 1:12). James deliberately selects a term that his Jewish-Christian readers would associate with meticulous observance, then measures that observance by an unexpected standard—the disciplined tongue—thereby relocating the center of authentic religion from ritual to transformed character.”
Faith is only known when it is utilized and acted upon. Words mean little unless you can back them up with deeds. The parable of the two sons and the vineyard owner. (Matthew 21:28-32). Both said the opposite of what they did. The reward is to the one who …does the Father’s request. How do you know what exactly to do? Can you hear His voice and what He is asking you to do?
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
This practice of speaking lots of words – without real practices is still very prevalent today. We also can be very guilty of this practice in our prayers to God. Do you think God can be convinced with flowery religious words? Reread the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee. (Luke 18:9-14) What God wants from us is … raw honesty. What really is the truth of things? Only the Holy Spirit can give you those answers. Do you even want the truth? Then the only way to know it is to ask Him. Do you actually pursue Him? Are you willing to wait for Him? Usually our ‘waiting’ has to do with us rather than Him. Are we really ready to hear the truth … about ourselves? Once you hear the truth … can you agree with it? Are you willing to accept the truth about yourself and actually agree with the Holy Spirit and … repent of your sin that has been brought before you to deal with? Can you humble yourself before Him… asking His forgiveness? (John 1:9)
What is He asking you to do today? Can you be courageous enough to do it? Can you be still enough to listen for His instructions? Are you willing to wait for Him? Who is He asking you to pray for today? Have you even asked Him?
Lord speak … your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:10)