James 1:27 - Living For Others, Dependent Upon God, And Victory Over Temptation.

James 1:27 (TEV) What God the Father considers to be pure and 
genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their 
suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world. 

Good deeds are the fruit that Christ requires us to bear: kind 
words, deeds of benevolence, tender regard for the poor, the needy, the 
afflicted. When hearts sympathize with hearts burdened with discouragement 
and grief, when the hand dispenses to the needy, when the naked are 
clothed, the stranger made welcome to a seat in your parlor and a place 
in your heart, angels are coming very near, and an answering strain 
is responded to in heaven. Every act of justice, mercy, and 
benevolence makes melody in heaven. The Father from His throne beholds those 
who do these acts of mercy, and numbers them with His most precious 
treasures. "And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day 
when I make up My jewels." Every merciful act to the needy, the 
suffering, is regarded as though done to Jesus. When you succor the poor, 
sympathize with the afflicted and oppressed, and befriend the orphan, you 
bring yourselves into a closer relationship to Jesus. 2T24,5 

Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but the doing of 
works of mercy and love. This religion is necessary to health and 
happiness. It enters the polluted soul-temple, and with a scourge drives 
out the sinful intruders. Taking the throne, it consecrates all by 
its presence, illuminating the heart with the bright beams of the 
Sun of Righteousness. It opens the windows of the soul heavenward, 
letting in the sunshine of God's love. With it comes serenity and 
composure. Physical, mental, and moral strength increase, because the 
atmosphere of heaven, as a living, active agency, fills the soul. Christ is 
formed within, the hope of glory.  MYP142 

A person can exhibit a pure religion only when he or she has a 
pure heart.  A person with a pure heart no longer allows sin to rule 
his or her behavior.  Instead, the Saviour's love becomes the 
motivating force behind all action.  [Teachers SS Quarterly; 3/24/93

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the 
lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)