On Display

Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike. 1 Corinthians 4:9 (NLT)

People and products are put on display for two main reasons. First, like the display window in a store, things are put on display to generate interest and entice a purchase. Companies will spend extravagant amounts of money to display their products on television or social media. The ultimate goal is to separate you from your money.

Another reason things are put on display is to serve as a cautionary warning. When Rome put someone to death on a cross, it was not only for punishment, the bodies of the condemned were publicly displayed to serve as a warning to others.

In this text, Paul is telling us that apostles, the leaders of the church, are on display before the world. Certainly, those in prominent positions have more visibility, whether good or bad, but all of us are on display before the world.

We may wish that people would not watch us so closely, but as Christ-followers we are marked for observation. The way we conduct our lives reflects upon our Heavenly Father. We may not be as famous as others, but our lives have influence.

We cannot escape attention. Will my life serve as “sweet fragrance,” or will it bring dishonor to my Lord and Savior? Will the way that I live my life, open the door for me to share about the hope that I have in Christ? Or will the way I live my life be a roadblock on someone’s path to finding life?

Millstones

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 (CSB)

Every time I hear news that a pastor or Christian leader has done something to bring disgrace to their ministry and our Lord, at least three things happen: like it or not we are on display is okay to have the fear of the Lord and the fear of disappointing him in any way I want to pray for them, and their families. I wonder how they could have gotten themselves in such a mess. And then, humbly I acknowledge, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.”

I asked someone this week if we needed to do something more to put the fear of God into Christian leaders? Is the enticement of sin so powerful that someone forgets the clear warning of Scripture?

In recent years there has been discussion regarding the so-called “Billy Graham Rule.”

The Billy Graham Rule is a code of conduct that advises men, particularly in ministry, to avoid spending time alone with women who are not their wives to maintain integrity and avoid sexual temptation.

In some quarters, the rule was mocked and ridiculed. We were told that it was discriminatory and prevented equal access for women. In light of news that seems to be all too common, the wisdom of this rule is validated.

Back to the millstone. Jesus presented a picture of judgment against those who caused little ones to fall away. A large millstone could be several hundred pounds. The possibility of escape seems unlikely. Jesus said it is “better” to have a millstone put around your neck than to face the judgment for causing one of his little ones to stumble. Remember, our lives are on display.

An Open Letter

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are Christ’s letter, delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God—not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:2–3 (CSB)

We should ask ourselves this question, “What are people reading when they see our lives?” Notice that Paul first says, “You yourselves are our letter.” On a natural level, our lives reflect those who have led us, our parents, our pastors, and our spiritual mentors. As a child, I was reminded more than once that my behavior reflected upon my parents.

When we identify as Christians, more is expected of us. Even the world holds us to a higher standard. It is true that many people are looking at us trying to find an excuse for not following Christ. They want to discard us as hypocrites and phonies. The world will not judge us fairly, but for that reason we must live above reproach.

Beyond Paul saying to the Corinthians that they were his letter, he said, “You show that you are Christ’s letter.” We are ambassadors for Christ, and we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. It might not seem fair, but the world judges Christ through us. That’s why Jesus said: In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (CSB)

Above All

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (CSB)

James tells us, “We all stumble in many ways.” Paul said, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are grateful that there is forgiveness for sins, but we also know that there are consequences. Not every “little one” who falls away is hopelessly lost because of the grace of God. But when we live and walk in love there is less likelihood that we will be the cause of offense.

Maintaining an attitude of love gives us the proper perspective. Love cannot only cover many sins; it can prevent sins as well. Love is our identification: By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 (CSB)

Like it or not, we are on display. It is okay to have the fear of the Lord. We do not want to disappoint Him.

Steve Ekeroth

Photo by Joel Zar: