From Storeroom to Showroom

Welcome back to Make Room! I’m so grateful you’re here.

Recently, I had the privilege to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to India. My husband and I were invited to go with an incredible organization that for safety reasons, I need to be careful how and where I share their name. The trip and what I learned deeply impacted me.

About a decade ago, a demographics study by the Indian government predicted that without intervention, Christianity could surpass Hinduism in India by 2050. In response, a nationwide campaign was launched calling citizens to “come home.” They began a movement centered on uniting the country as one people, one culture and one religion: Hinduism. The initiative has fueled a rise in Christian persecution. Today, nearly half of India’s states have anti-conversion laws in place, making evangelism or even speaking the name of Jesus a serious risk.

Our team couldn’t safely huddle in the hotel restaurant after dinner or debrief in the courtyard. Government informants are everywhere, and in many places, an accusation alone is enough to land someone in prison for 2 to 14 years. While in India, we met brothers and sisters in Christ who had been beaten and imprisoned simply for their faith. Extreme caution is necessary when Christians gather, and months of trust-building often pass before believers feel safe enough to even mention their Savior and the hope He brings. They are not ashamed, but their voices are under threat.

Beyond religious persecution, the caste system has long silenced the marginalized, limiting access to education, decision-making power and economic opportunity. For many, oppression is both systemic and personal, reinforcing cycles of exclusion that make it even harder to speak, be heard or thrive.

While I would consider myself to be actively evangelizing and discipling, I was extremely convicted about the frequency with which I speak the name of Jesus to strangers. With no more cost to me than perhaps a little embarrassment if a door gets slammed in my face, nothing is stopping me from walking across the street and sharing the Gospel with my neighbors. I am at no risk paying for the groceries of the family in front of me in His name or praying for the waitress that clearly needs encouragement. However, I don’t use words as frequently as I could to share about the Prince of Peace in a world full of chaos. It’s a freedom I’ve taken for granted for so many years, but that must change.

Last week, I wrote about our ability to grasp precious spiritual gems as the Holy Spirit reveals God to us. We build up a storeroom of treasure as we discover the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 13:44-45) Today, I challenge you to bring those gems out and put them on full display. May our lives and words be a showroom. Don’t waste an opportunity to share about the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must MAKE ROOM to speak of Him. He is the treasure. He is the prize.  

What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes.
What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!
Matthew 10:27