shopping in a local Walmart store

Cindy, one of our members and the grandmother of 5 year old Analys shared
the following incident with me.

It seems that Grandma Cindy and Analys were doing some shopping in a local
Walmart store. Analys loves to sing and her favorite song is Victory in
Jesus. While in the store she began to sing the song loudly, Cindy said you
could hear her quite plainly. As she sang her favorite song, Cindy said that
older ladies began moving through the store to where they were shopping to
see who was singing this hymn (in a strong voice). The reactions were mixed
I understand. One of the ladies even joined in singing with her while
someone else asked, "Are you going to let here continue to sing that church
song?" I loved Cindy's response, "Why should I stop her, if she were singing
a children's song no one would think anything about it." I think the whole
situation was a Victory FOR Jesus!

How are you letting your voice be heard? We are given many opportunities in
our world and community to use gift or talent whatever it may be, however
sometimes we hold back from doing good or singing out for Jesus. Many are
more apt to be involved with good works through their local congregation and
that is a great thing! However, sometimes Many times we can do good, (let
our light shine and let our voice be heard) through the community activities
which go on around us. There are opportunities such as the annual "Walk for
Life;" "Aid for West Ranch fire victims;" "Feed the hungry soup kitchen;"
"Tehachapi Relay for Life;" "Family life pregnancy center;" "Tehachapi
Senior Center;" "The Hospital Guild;" "Meals on Wheels;" etc.

Paul urges the Christians in Galatia: "Therefore, as we have opportunity,
let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family
of believers. (Galatians 6:10, NIV). I do think we need to be careful about
the message we send to others through the charitable works we indorse or
with which we choose to become involved. Some groups do not operate with
Christian principles, while others may be sponsored by community churches.
There are some good works that we as a church might endorse or be involved
with, while others, because of their religious or social stances we can not.
There are some good works which the church (as a group entity) cannot
support, but which you as an individual may. You will need to make up your
own mind about what those things may be.

Having said that, notice that James writes these words, (which some people
find troubling) in James 4:17: "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought
to do and then not do it." (NLT) Again, each of us has gifts, talents and
opportunities. If we don't do what we can, then quite possibly it is sin.
One of my favorite passages is Matthew 5:16 which says: "Let your light so
shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father
in heaven.(KJV)

How brightly are you shining? Can your voice be heard! Is your life a
Victory for Jesus?

Russ Lawson