"Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." (1 Cor. 16:13 NIV)

Some years ago, Premier Khrushchev was speaking before the Supreme Soviet and was severely critical of the late Premier Stalin. While he was speaking someone from the audience sent up a note: "What were you doing when Stalin committed all these atrocities?"

Khrushchev shouted, "Who sent up that note?" Not a person stirred. "I'll give him one minute to stand up!" The seconds ticked off. Still no one moved. "All right, I'll tell you what I was doing. I was doing exactly what the writer of this note was doing--exactly nothing! I was afraid to be counted!" (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 128)

When it is necessary, let us stand up and be counted for the Lord.