What are we waiting for?

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.


I can't help but think that so much of our activity, if not all, flies in the face of this principle from God.  We spend much of our time entertaining ourselves: eating out, movies & t.v., swimming or music lessons, basketball, facebook, pets, and on and on.  While these are not bad inherently, our time is consumed by so much that does not directly seek or glorify God.  God can be glorified in how we go about the above activities, setting an example for the world.  But let's not kid ourselves. We've got it easy.  I don't know anyone who suffers for Christ in a literal sense by selling all they have and giving it to the poor, or by preaching the good news in the face of persecution.

There are millions upon millions of orphans in our world. These boys and girls do not have a loving mom and dad and may have little hope for their future.  They may not be raised in the light of Truth, or even with the faintest concern about truth or comprehending reality.  God clearly commands His followers to care for orphans and widows.  Jesus said whoever welcomes a child in His name, welcomes Him (Matthew 18:5). Paul writes that we receive adoption as sons of God because Jesus' redeems us, and hence we're an heir with Christ (Romans 8:14-17).  If we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, invite in a stranger, clothe the naked, look after the sick, and visit those in prison, then we are doing such for King Jesus (Matthew 25:34-40).

Seeking God and glorifying Him in our short time on earth is our reality, whether humans accept it or not.  If we are believers in a sovereign and loving God who redeems us through the sacrifice of His son, then the effect of our lives is glorification of the author of all life. God granted me a remarkably loving wife and mother of three incredible kids, as well as a large house.  Our sacrifice will be in much time and money and emotional challenges.  Even this seems to pale in comparison to those that have been persecuted or lost their life for God's glory, but it is our reality to serve God by way of adoption. What are we waiting for?