Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

A local country club hosted a youth golf tournament over the weekend. The club did a wonderful job pulling it off with numerous local sponsors, gifts for participants, and free food. Much of the community came together to make it a success. Many volunteered their time on a hot Saturday and Sunday and should be commended. However, at least one spotter surprisingly performed his duties with an alcoholic beverage in hand for the final round. I am not here to condemn the consumption of what I assume would be proclaimed to be “just one beer.” My concern is what type of influence this portrays for a day full of youth and parents walking by completing their round. For years now, the PGA Tour mantra has been “Grow The Game” beginning at the youth and local levels. We as Christians are charged with the mission of “Growing The Faith.” Consuming alcohol while volunteering at a youth golf tournament does neither. The scripture above tasks the believer to be both “harmless” and “blameless” while “ye shine as lights.” The word goes further than just labeling an action a sin or wrong. If it is harmless and blameless, the act is good no matter the circumstances, irrespective of the venue and cannot be skewed or portrayed in a false light. Why risk your witness as a believer or your example by casting yourself in such a light for a five hour volunteer shift? Trust me, the youth who passed by will forever remember his actions. Some will laugh and shake their head in disgust. Unfortunately, some will use his consumption as justification and reasoning for similar behavior on their own behalf. Hopefully, the parents used this as a teaching opportunity. We should always be in prayer to do good and shine our light, but sometimes it is more important to do no harm!