Penn State Football has been getting a black-eye in the press. Jerry Sandusky has been charged with sexually abusing eight boys over a 15-year-period. In 2002, Mike McQueary, a graduate assistant, witnessed former assistant coach Sandusky abusing an under-age male. McQueary reported the incident to the legendary head coach Joe Paterno, who did not report the crime to the police authorities. After over a sixty year association with Penn State, Paterno was fired via telephone.

If the sexual abuse allegations are true, Sandusky's heinous behavior has tarnished the good name of Penn State. Although innocent of the crimes, the university and Penn State football are damaged by Sandusky's atrocities, and both Paterno's and other Penn State faculty member's scandalous silence.

In the wake of the scandal, as Christians we may feel heartache for Penn State and her football program. The transgressions of a few have brought public shame on the good reputation of many at Penn State. We may feel anger towards Sandusky and his sins.

But what about our public sin and the Lord's church? After David's sin with Bathsheba, God said "because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme" (2 Samuel 12:14). One translation reads "what you did caused the LORD'S enemies to lose all respect for him" (NCV). Do we understand that, just like Sandusky, we too can disgrace a local church by our sins? A Christian's sinful lifestyle can ruin a church's reputation and cause worldly people to "lose all respect" for Christ and His church.

We need to remember a good reputation/example has the power for much good! The apostle Paul reminded saints to "become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life" (Philippians 2:15, 16 ).

Jesus sees our reputations at our schools, workplaces, and in our communities. He expects all Christians to be "the light of the world" and "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

We may shudder when we read in the media about the gross immoral behavior of public figures, and damaging consequences and repercussions of their evil deeds. Let's always be thoughtful that as "lights in the world" we can bring glory or reproach on Jesus and His church. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:11, 12). 

- Focusing On Truth, Dec. 2011