The two things that they (whoever “they” may be) say should not be brought up are religion and politics. Certainly, social media has put that theory to the test and proven it to be true. Nothing like reading a war of electron words for entertainment. But truly, those are questions and conversations that do come up eventually, particularly when you start to take a dating relationship to the next level. When Jennifer and I met in college, our conversation was built around what we did or didn’t like about the class we were in (Psych 170), Michigan weather, good places to eat, and the like. Light and fluffy. But after our first date and we started seeing more of each other, our conversation took on a deeper tone. I remember the first time she brought up religion. It was shortly after I attended a student church function with her. It was sort of a date but not really. Afterward, we sat down and really talked about matters of faith. Her question wasn’t “How religious are you” or “what religion are you?” Rather, she asked me where I stood with Christ. Although I certainly was aware of Jesus, I was never asked what I thought of him or eternity. I was only 20, that’s a lifetime away. Long story short, I was saved just a few weeks later. The book of James is directed to the 12 Tribes. Jewish Christians who were scattered throughout the area. He was writing them because they were facing issues among themselves. Much of it had to do with them not living a real faith. In these verses, he is telling them to control their tongues. To not do so makes their religion worthless. Real faith is not polluted with the things of the world. Real faith comes down to one thing: who do you say Jesus is?! Real faith is about a relationship with Jesus Christ, and faith in Christ alone brings salvation. However, real faith manifests itself in works (such as looking after widows and orphans) but works themselves do not lead to salvation. But as James also wrote, faith without works is dead. So, where are you with your faith? Are you real?
