Read James 1:26-27.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, was known for his practical epistle. For James, faith was shown by action. True faith in God works from the inside out. What you believe is expressed by what you do.

Widows and orphans were some of the neediest people in ancient society. A woman without a husband could not go into business for herself (at least, not very easily), and children without parents had no one to look after them.

Caring for such people was one of the hallmarks of the early Church. Two thousand years later, what constitutes “the neediest people” may have changed, but the need to help has not. The principle remains the same: find the powerless and give them power, find the hungry and feed them. This is not some optional add-on, says James. This is what happens when you truly believe. This is what good, true religion looks like.

Reflect

What is your definition of “religion that pleases God the Father” (James 1.27)? What are some actions that fit this definition?

Where is the widow or orphan near you? How does your church community assure that its worship practices embrace a vision for fully supporting the needy, and challenging agencies and institutions to offer greater care? What can Christians do to make sure that their actions speak as eloquently as their words on behalf of the marginalized?

Pray:

Our God, from your sacred home you take care of orphans and protect widows. You find families for those who are lonely. Help me to see them and become a welcoming part of that family.

Next: Day 29 of 40.

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The book of Leviticus sees holiness expressed not only in terms of ritual and sacrifice, but also in terms of simply doing the right thing. This chapter(Leviticus 19) begins with a call to holiness and ends with telling people to make sure their scales are accurate!

Stealing can be subtle. Just tip the scales in your favor; shave a penny or two off a worker’s pay; add some extras to the bill, make the packaging a bit fatter; or make the filling a bit thinner.

The Bible condemns dishonest measures (Proverbs 20.23; Hosea 12.7,8; Amos 8.5; Micah 6.10,11). It’s cheating; it’s wrong. Sadly, the poor suffer most from dishonest practices since they cannot afford to fight these injustices in court.

Fair trade means trading fairly with people. It means that business ethics should be ethical. It means everyone working according to the same set of measurements.

Reflect

When, if ever, have you been the victim of “dishonest” scales? What happened as a result? The priests were supposed to check that the scales were accurate (Exodus 30.13,24). What does that say about the role the church can play in seeing that fairness is done?

If you work in an office, what is the mission statement of your business? If you are in a position to do so, how do you ensure that your business practices are ethical? Even if you’re not a manager, how can you lead by example?

Pray:

Lord, set a guard over my heart and mind. Make me ever watchful of the way I treat others.

Next: Day 28 of 40.

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