In the last few days an aspiring presidential candidate and iconic football coach have been called on to explain accusations reported in news media. In each case the accused person is responding to infractions more than a decade old. Surely each man thought that the events were long buried in the tombs of forgetfulness and wrapped in the shrouds of personal accomplishment. Past events would never see the light of day.
We may learn some lessons from those presently writhing in the light of public scrutiny and avoid personal embarrassment and the impossible task of regaining the luster of past reputation.
1. We must remember that the challenge for Jesus’ disciples is to live without moral blemish. “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (Colossians 1:21-22) There can be no allowance for selfish lapses into impurity.
2. Resist making an excuse for even the smallest infractions and confess the truth. “It is only a small thing and only a couple of people know about it,” is the rationale which negates the need to live humbly before our God. (Micah 6:8) And, the antidote for the most insignificant sin is the same as for the largest, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” (1 John 1:8-10) God and people embrace humility and brokenness.
3. Wise men build an accountability relationship with someone who has access to the deepest part of their being. If Nathan had not had access to David’s private chamber, he could not have announced, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says ...” (2 Samuel 12:13). Neither would we be able to pray with David,
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. (Psalm 51:1-4, KJV)
Jesus’ disciples learn to pray David’s prayer with humility, broken spirit and passion akin to the author’s.
4. In this life we will not reach the summit of spiritual maturity where we are no longer vulnerable to temptation and possibility of falling. I recently learned of a person, at least a decade older than me, and one with a distinguished and enviable career, who is now embarrassed, uncovered, ashamed. We cannot afford to grow certain of our own abilities and competencies. Godly people mellow, grow more forgiving and understanding, less judgmental and more loving as they deal with their own vulnerabilities and move toward life’s finish line.
When the Holy Spirit applies these lessons and others, we learn and celebrate that we are among those who will be presented “faultless” at His coming. (Jude 1:24)
One last thought, everyone’s successes and embarrassments are shared by others. Innocent people, including family members, team members, and confidants share in the darkness of humiliation and experience the searing pain of betrayal, just as they basked in the sunlight of successes. Psalm 51 is a worthy prayer to pray, defines a worthy spirit to cultivate.
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