“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22; NASB).

Are you a member of the Lord’s church who thinks avoiding evil is the only thing needed to please God? If so, you are an advocate of negative religion. James says the person who thinks this way is delusional.

Delusional – having false or unrealistic beliefs or opinions. (dictionary.com)

The one who thinks he can enter heaven by solely avoiding participation in evil things is living in a fantasy. God not only wants us to put off, but also to put on (cf. Colossians 3:5-17). Members of the church who are not active cannot possibly be pleasing to the Lord. He requires active membership (cf. Romans 12:3-8). James suggests “pure and undefiled religion” is religion that does (cf. James 1:21-27).

Remember Jesus’ words, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23). Do not be delusional. Be diligent!

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