by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Romans 2:23,24
You who boast in the Law through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? "For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," just as it is written.

I still recall those sad days in 1987, when the storm of media attention focused on the downfall of a well-known television evangelist. As I saw the dirty laundry of another believer's life strung out on television and draped over the printed page, I couldn't help but wonder why God let such a man's ministry continue to flourish for so long.

Questions ricocheted around in my head. Who really lives the Christian life, beyond the glossy, air-brushed and choreographed public performances? Will unbelievers judge Christianity on the performance of these few? Should we be embarrassed and silent? Should we question God and His work? Is there too much hype and not enough substance surrounding Christians in media? Should we stop giving financially to such ministries? Should those of us in the ministry quit? Should we become skeptical and cynical about everyone in the ministry? Should we grieve for God and with God?

As important as such questions may be, there is another question more basic. Such events should probe each one of us to ask: Is there any area in my own life that is not under the authority of Christ?

In Romans 2, Paul was concerned that God's Old Testament people had shamed God's name before the very people whose religion they claimed was inferior. The personal integrity of the individual heart-not the performance of high-visibility believers-was the place Paul began with his questions.

Scandals are bad news. They sadden us. We wonder about the reaction of unbelievers and new Christians who have recently cut their spiritual molars and are now doubting what they have committed themselves to. But the place to begin dealing with the issue is "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1, KJV).

Prayer:

For the integrity of your heart and the heart of your mate.

Discuss: How would you rate your character? Is there any area of your life not under the authority of Jesus Christ?

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