Wisdom for Winning in LifeSample

The Hidden Door

It wasn’t the first time it happened in sports, and it certainly won’t be the last. But perhaps mentioning it again can help keep us from making a similar shameful error.

A college coach—one noted for his Christian character—resigned in disgrace after it was discovered that he had violated rules clearly spelled out by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. One magazine article concluded: “His integrity was one of the great myths of college football.”

This was certainly an embarrassing time for the coach, but here’s the most sobering part: It can happen to any of us. The temptation to go behind the hidden door of secrecy in our lives and do things that dishonor God haunts us all.

We’re all capable of turning our own integrity into a myth—of turning our testimony for Jesus into a sham. No matter what the temptation, we’re all vulnerable.

So, how do we avoid giving in? We acknowledge the universality of temptation. We recognize the dangerous results of giving in to sin. We keep accountable to fellow believers in Jesus. And we plead with God for help not to fall.

Only God’s grace and power can keep us from falling and pick us up when we do.

Dave Branon

Do you have a group of friends who hold each other accountable? What might you need to ask them to pray about?

Dear God, help us live out love and integrity by Your power.