Religion, when practiced according to God’s will, is a beautiful and transformative force in a person’s life. However, not all religion is pleasing to God. James warns, “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26, NASB). This sobering truth reminds us that religion, no matter how sincere, can be misguided or even sinful if it deviates from God’s standards.
As humans, we are inherently religious beings. We long to worship, seek purpose, and find meaning beyond ourselves. Yet, this innate inclination can lead us astray if we fail to align our worship with God’s Word. Let’s explore how it is possible to be both religious and sinful and how we can ensure our worship and lives are truly pleasing to God.
Worshiping the Wrong God
One way people can be religious yet sinful is by worshiping the wrong god. Idolatry has plagued humanity since ancient times, and God explicitly forbids it. He commands, “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth below or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them nor serve them” (Exodus 20:4-5, NASB).
Consider the Athenians in Paul’s time. They were deeply religious, but their worship was misdirected. Paul observed their altars and said, “Men of Athens, I see that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22-23, NASB). Despite their sincerity, the Athenians were worshiping incorrectly.
Similarly, the prophets of Baal in Elijah’s time were fervent in their devotion, yet they worshiped a false god. Elijah challenged them, saying, “How long are you going to struggle with the two choices? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21, NASB). Their devotion, though zealous, was misplaced.
Worshiping the True God in the Wrong Way
Even when worship is directed toward the true God, it can be sinful if it is not done according to His instructions. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their vain worship, saying, “But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9, NASB). Worship that strays from God’s commands becomes empty and unacceptable.
The Bible provides several examples of people who sought to worship God but did so in disobedience. Cain, for instance, offered a sacrifice that God did not accept because it was not offered in faith (Genesis 4:3-5; Hebrews 11:4). Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded, and were consumed by fire as a result (Leviticus 10:1-2).
These examples teach us that sincerity alone is not enough. Worship must be rooted in obedience to God’s Word. As Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NASB).
Being a Worshiper Without Obeying the Gospel
Another way people can be religious yet sinful is by being worshipers who have never fully obeyed the gospel. Cornelius, a centurion described as a devout man who feared God, prayed, and gave alms generously, was nonetheless unsaved until he obeyed the gospel (Acts 10:1-48). Despite his piety, Cornelius needed to hear the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and be baptized.
The Ethiopian eunuch is another example. Though he worshiped in Jerusalem and read from the Scriptures, he required instruction from Philip to understand the gospel. Once he learned the truth, he responded immediately, saying, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36, NASB). He obeyed the gospel and was baptized into Christ.
These examples highlight the importance of obedience. Being religious without submitting to God’s plan of salvation is incomplete. Paul reminds us, “For not the hearers of the Law are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified” (Romans 2:13, NASB).
Becoming Unfaithful as a True Worshiper
Even those who have obeyed the gospel and worship the true God can become religious sinners by falling into unfaithfulness. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 is a sobering reminder of this danger. They were part of the early church but lied to the Holy Spirit about the sale of their property, resulting in their deaths.
Simon the sorcerer, after becoming a Christian, attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit with money. Peter rebuked him, saying, “Repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart will be forgiven you” (Acts 8:22, NASB).
Paul warned the Corinthians about the consequences of straying from the faith, urging them to examine themselves: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5, NASB).
Conclusion: Avoiding the Pitfall of Religious Sin
Being religious is not enough. True religion is marked by obedience, humility, and faithfulness to God’s commands. James admonishes Christians to confess their sins and seek restoration, writing, “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much” (James 5:16, NASB).
Let us strive to worship God in spirit and truth, obey His gospel fully, and remain faithful in our walk with Him. Religion that pleases God is not based on human traditions or outward appearances but on a heart devoted to Him and a life lived in obedience to His Word. Let us guard against the danger of being religious sinners and ensure that our worship and lives bring glory to God.
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