by Pastor Jane Powell, Bethany Community Church, Winsford.

HAVE YOU recognised this motto that appears under the Winsford Town Crest - and do you know what it means? It looks and sounds very grand, doesn't it? I guess it is supposed to say something to all of us, and about us to other people like business personnel, new residents or visitors coming into the town.

I saw the Town Crest and motto on the latest of the Winsford Guide - an excellent publication, even if they haven't included Bethany Community Church in it yet! I only know what they motto means because they very kindly gave the translation of it on page 31. It says that "Virtue is our best, safest defence"

I wonder if we really believe that, or whether it is being reflected in our lives or in the way the town is run administratively, politically, financially, socially - and yes, spiritually too?

I think you will fine (as I have done) that though we may have the best intentions, we will not be able to live up to our Motto without our best efforts at being righteous and good are as "filthy rags" compared with the holiness of God.

That may sound like bad news unless we remember that God has provided a way for us to exchange out "filthy rags" for Hi holiness and love, by simply confessing our need of His forgiveness and love, by simply confessing our need of His forgiveness, and by receiving His Son Jesus into our hearts and lives by His Spirit, who will give us the power to become holy, and to live together with one another as God intended.

God's holiness and power in our individual lives and in the life of our town, will surely be our best and safest defence not only in this life but also in the next. It is also the surest way for all of us to start to live together in the blessing and peace God wants for us all as His people, and which we long for in these busy and troubled times.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.