Proclaim His Holiness

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your companion, and he shall lie with your wives in broad daylight. Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’ Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.’”
2 Samuel 12:11-14

When Nathan disclosed David’s treachery, he spelled out the most devastating consequence for David’s sin: “However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die." 2 Samuel 12:14

Throughout the Scriptures, God is portrayed as upholding His righteousness and integrity. Indeed Christians are a people called by His name.

Thus, when members of the living church of God act unrighteously, we give opportunity for the unbelieving world to slander that name. This is the underlying shame of scandal in the church.

The body of Christ is “a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...” 1 Peter 2:9. Sin in the church dims her witness and provides the lost with another excuse for dismissing the validity of Christ’s claim.

Paul told the Colossians: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity” Col. 4:5. The church honors and upholds the precious name of Christ to the world through an obedient, faithful walk.

Examine yourself - are you living for the glory of God or trying to hide some secret sin? Don’t play with sin; you will lose! However, God is faithful and if you will live for Him, you will win!