The Normal Beaty Bunch

...but I'm sure I never confuse God!

I read Pastor Brian Bill's sermon from yesterday at Pontiac Bible church and have become more confused as I've meditated on James 1:26-27: “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 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.”


Why does God lump together - caring for Orphans - and keeping your tongue under control?  What do the two have to do with each other?


I like the part about caring for orphans....taking care of kids...I can do that.  I don't like the fact that God says if I can't keep my mouth from saying mean things.... then my religion might be worthless!  WHAT?  (better stop whining....)


OK - I understand that it's important to watch what I say - to be careful when I'm angry and not 'spout off' - but WHY lump that together with caring for orphans?


I'm so confused!!!