do what it says

​Monday’s Moment...

Had a busy morning and didn’t have a chance post so here it goes.

This morning I finished the James Bible study with Francis Chan through RightNOW Media.

I love the book of James. A practical book that challenges us to seriously consider how we live out our faith.
For example, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James‬ ‭1:22-25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Bible can be a tough book to read. But at it’s heart we read God’s love letter to man. And in that we learn how to love God and one another.

In case you’ve missed it, all around us we see brokenness, division, hate, confusion, anxiety, fear, and doubt. But I was recently reminded of the simple command from Jesus, that we love one another.

Think about that. What would it look like if we set aside what divides us and choose to love one another.
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“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What would it look like if we started with love. It’s not that we couldn’t still discuss, debate, and even disagree. We can have those conversations and yet still choose to love.

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We come from different places around the globe, different denominations, different theological views, different doctrinal positions, different political views, different backgrounds, and yet we set it all aside as we worship, train, learn, and grow together.

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Every year I have the opportunity to gather with thousands of youth workers. We come from different places around the globe, different denominations, different theological views, different doctrinal positions, different political views, different backgrounds, and yet we set it all aside as we worship, train, learn, and grow together. I’m not saying we don’t have some good discussions and some even better debates, but we choose to love. We choose to put Jesus first. We choose the kingdom. We choose the gospel. We choose grace.

Over the years I have met so many amazing Jesus freaks, passionate about Jesus and what he has done in their lives. Many of these folks have become close friends whom I love and respect.

Jesus said, “This is my command: Love each other.” John‬ ‭15:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Anyone else out there want to start with love?

Consider those in your circle, how can you choose love? How about those outside your circle, how would lives be changed if you chose to love first.

Let’s not hear the word of God only to neglect it, but instead, let us do what it says.

- jay
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meet jay

Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of almost 30 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently serving as the Director of Family Ministry at Covenant Community Church, in Wheeling, WV. Jay has been married to Amy for 24 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, vlogger, and social media junkie. He is also the host of our new podcast, Conversations with Every Day Youth Workers! Jay is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and connecting and networking with youth workers to help them serve their students with passion and excellence.

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