Living Our Religion

The Epistle of James in the New Testament gives wonderful insights on ways that we can live our religion and follow Jesus Christ.  James 1:19 teaches us that we should be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. 

James 3 teaches us the following:

Things We Say That Are Offensive to God	Things We Say That Are Pleasing to God
Cursing men Speaking badly about others	Praises to God Blessings

James 4:1-12 teaches us about the effects of worldliness and how we can counter those effects through our faith and actions:

Symptoms of Being in the World	Prescription for Being out of the World
Wars Fighting Lusts Killing Covetousness Adultery	Submit yourself to God Resist the devil and temptations Draw closer to God Purify your heart Speak kindly about others Humble yourself

I’m so glad we have the scriptures as a reference and that we have Jesus Christ and his gospel to direct our lives.

Live as Saints Should Live

Paul gives wonderful counsel for us on how we can live Christ’s gospel and receive salvation.  In Romans 13:11, he stated that our salvation is nearer than we believed.  Ezekiel 3:20 and Doctrine & Covenants 14:7 both bring up that to receive salvation, we must continue in righteousness, follow God’s commandments, and endure to the end.

In Romans 12-13, Paul lists multiple things that we can do that leads us to salvation.  Here are a few of them:

Romans 12:1 – Sacrifice ourselves to the service of God.

Romans 12:2 – Not follow the ways of the world, but follow the ways of God.  Be transformed and renewed.

Romans 12:9 – Love without dissimulation.  Cleave to what is good and abhor that which is evil.

Romans 12:13 – Serve others, give to those in need, be hospitable.

Romans 12:16 – Don’t think you are better or wiser than others.  See others as your equals.

Romans 12:21 – Overcome evil with good.

Romans 13:1 – Rely on the power of God.

Romans 13:3 – Do what is good.

Romans 13:8 – Love one another.

Romans 13:9 – Keep the commandments.

He further cautions us about judging others in Romans 14:1-13 and 15:1-3.  We don’t need to judge others – everyone will eventually be judged at the judgment seat of Christ.  People may have different opinions and practices than ourselves, but it’s important to remember that everyone is a child of God.  It’s the intent of their hearts, their faith in God, and the spirit in which they act that is more important than their different opinions or beliefs.

Doctrine & Covenants 38:25-27 gives further insight by saying we must esteem each other as ourselves.  We must be united.

Paul frequently used the term “saints” to refer to the members of the church in his day.  By following his counsel and striving to live Christ’s gospel, we truly can live a saint-like life.

The Widow's Mites

Mark 12:41-44 tells the account of a widow who donated all that she had – two mites.  This account contains a powerful example for all of us.  Earlier in the same chapter, Christ says that the first commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:28-30)  This widow’s love was apparent in her sacrifice of two mites.

While others gave much more than two mites, her offering had more value because it was all she had.  When it comes to giving of ourselves to the Lord, it’s quality that counts.  If we give a lot, but hold back even more, that means even less than the two mites that the lady gave.  2 Nephi 25:23 states the importance of doing all we can throughout our life for God, and after that are we saved by His grace.  This widow did just that – she did everything she could, gave everything she had, and for that she was certainly blessed.

Giving to the Lord is more than just donating money.  It includes giving of our time, talents, friendship and love.  We can magnify our church assignments and callings.  We can be kind to others.  We can strive to obey God’s commandments and follow Christ’s teachings.  As we dedicate ourselves to the Lord and fully give of ourselves, we will be richly blessed throughout our lives.