Worthless religion?
That connotes that our religion ought to be worth something to someone other than ourselves.
It is not just our eternal life insurance policy. It is to have value to other people, to our communities., to our fellow believers, to the world.
There are many unbridled and unkind tongues in the world today who justify their bitter speech by saying that they are speaking truth and truth hurts.
Truth does hurt - but it is healing hurt and it is the truth itself that hurts, not the delivery of it.
When I have had blood clots, I have had to give myself injections of a blood thinner . I soon discovered that the needle itself was very gentle and did not cause me pain. Once inside my body, the medicine had a sting and actually caused some bruising. It was quite bearable because I knew it was healing me and helping to keep me alive.
It was quite worthwhile because, though it was uncomfortable, it was accomplishing its purpose.
I would never poke myself or anyone else for entertainment or to relieve my frustrations. When I do have to poke myself or anyone else, it is as gently, quickly, and accurately as possible.
"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." - James 1:26-27 (ESV)
