(To my readers: Today’s post is in response to the recent accusations of abuse by Minnesota Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson. But in a more general sense, the situation has reminded me of how easy it is to become judgmental. For the believer, hard as it is, grace comes first. )
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7
Maybe it’s because I made a horrific mistake that cost me a career I loved and left me with a criminal record that I’ll carry for the rest of my life.
Maybe it’s because I remember the shame and embarrassment I felt realizing that I’d hurt someone very dear to me, someone I loved and would have protected with my life, but ended up hurting.
Maybe it’s because I remember the looks, the loneliness and the rejection from friends I once thought would be loyal (many professing Christians).
Maybe it’s because I still harbor the wounds of those who still consider me an abuser, and still hear their accusing words.
Maybe it’s because I remember the few that stood by me even though they knew I wasn’t completely innocent.
Maybe it’s because I learned the ground is level under the cross and we are all equally guilty before God.
Maybe it’s because I learned the hard way that the common belief that one is ‘innocent until proven guilty’ is a fallacy and that even though our justice system may still be the best in the world, it’s seriously flawed.
Maybe it’s because I don’t think social media is the place to determine innocence, guilt or character.
Maybe it’s because I learned through my own failings what grace was.
Maybe it’s because, as a parent, there were far too many times I failed.
For whatever the reason, I’ll stand with AP. I don’t agree with what he did, but Jesus died for him too. I expect the secular media to crucify him, not believers. We are to be the last to cast stones, not the first.
5 comments
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September 18, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Lindy J. Combs
Mike, this is wonderful writing. I did not know of your pastm which is dead.
I am not sure of who “AP” is. I am supposing that it is the sports player abuser…just not sure.
September 18, 2014 at 1:14 pm
Mike Fisk
Hi Lindy, the post has been updated to clarify it’s focus. Thanks for helping me remember that all my readers may not be familiar with the story. B Blessed!
September 18, 2014 at 6:11 pm
marthajaneorlando
It is wonderful to see you back here blogging, Mike, and you could not have chosen a better topic to wake us up as Christians to realize we are all on equal footing beneath the cross. Like you, I’m so weary of the press and social media acting as judge, jury and executioner before all the facts are in. We need to remember we are just as sinful, and all are in need of Jesus’ grace, love and redemption.
Blessings!
September 18, 2014 at 10:52 pm
Mike Fisk
Hi Martha! I’m hoping to be able to get back into the habit of sharing on my blog. Been a busy summer. Thanks, as usual, for your encouragement. I have to admit I’m not sure why the Adrian Peterson situation stirred up so many wounds, but it’s given me (us) a reminder of how fragile all of us are. Thanks again for your thoughts. Blessings to you as well!
September 19, 2014 at 2:49 am
Harbans
In life, we have a long list of ‘may be’s’ for which we are responsible. There are ones for whom we feel sorry and for others we just gloss over and forget. But things stand, we can learn our lesson(s) from these.
A credible confession.