Editor’s Note: we are starting a guest spot called “Being Isaac” in response to our growing number of male readers. We think it’s important that there’s a male reply to our female’s call to live in passionate pursuit of Christ. Our friend, Isaac S., has so kindly contributed this post as food for thought.

I’m new to the NYC area and one of the churches I’ve been checking out had this as the message recently. They’ve been doing a series on James and this time one of the focus verses was 1:27. Here it is quoted in the Amplified.

External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.

While it’s true we are saved by grace and not by works, the Bible supports us letting our light shine through the good works we can do. One thing I like about this church is their involvement in the community. Every month they have a free breakfast in a poorer neighborhood and it’s a great opportunity to let Jesus been seen through us.

The following Saturday I got up bright and early at 7:00 so I could try to be there before 8:00. The serving didn’t start until 9:00 but there was plenty of setup and preparation involved. The turnout from the church was about 25 people so all the cooking and serving stations were occupied. I ended up being one of the door greeters to the community room. This involved lots of smiles, playing with the kids who wanted our attention, and chatting with a couple of the girls who also ended up as door greeters.

Everyone who came through seemed happy to see us. By the end we had served a breakfast record of over 180 people! Toward the end the pastor came over to us to share this note a lady had given him. $5 was enclosed and she said her son loves coming here because it’s the best restaurant ever!!! It was pretty moving to read that and know we had such a direct and positive impact on them.

I don’t know if this is the church I’ll end up going to on a permanent basis. They are kinda far away and my beliefs might not line up totally with them. But helping them out with reaching the community feels good for the soul and lets our light shine just a little brighter.

Isaac S.

 If you are a male passionately pursuing Christ, we are accepting submissions at beingrebekah@outlook.com