Last week, I enjoyed some quality time with one of our sister congregations in Waynoka. The Elm and Murrow Church of Christ was actually the founding congregation for the Bible Chair here at NWOSU and still do a lot of things to help encourage the students and me each year. One of the perks of my position is a yearly opportunity to teach the adult class during E&M’s Vacation Bible School. Nothing fancy – just five nights of Bible study with friends. Sometimes, when I’m lucky, they even laugh at my jokes.

One of the most memorable things about any VBS is the singing. A hundred happy voices (give or take a few old fogies) singing songs we don’t often (ever) bring into the regular Sunday assembly. “I’m in the Lord’s Army,” “Roll the Gospel Chariot,” and “The B-I-B-L-E” are some of the first words of personal dedication to the cause of Christ that many children ever utter. However, some of those songs do tend to push reality just a bit. (Caution: rant ahead.)

The song I have in mind was a staple for VBS when I was growing up. Each stanza began with the phrase, “It isn’t any trouble” and included such items as S-M-I-L-E, P-R-A-Y and S-I-N-G. The promise was then made that, “If ever you’re in trouble it will vanish like a bubble if you’ll only take the trouble just to S-M-I-L-E.” I loved that song. It was so full of hope and offered an easy answer to all of life’s ills. I believe in the power of prayer and in the soul-stirring nature of a good old gospel song. And even science has shown that smiling triggers good things in our brains. But is it really as simple as the song would imply?

We live in a fallen world. All around us, people are suffering. Some have been suffering so long it becomes a burden on everyone they meet. To suggest they just shake it off, smile through the pain, spend more time in prayer or try singing more is not only a bit too simplistic; it is downright rude. Why not take your nose out of your phone full of cute little Facebook emojis and answer their cry for help? It’s a lot of trouble – but it’s what Jesus would do. (End of rant.)

See you Sunday.