Skeletons in the Closet
We all have a past and we are not perfect, therefore the skeletons in the closet do exist.
Matthew 26.57-68
Reference: v.59-60a The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any… (NIV Bible)
Explore: I heard recently of a couple who had a child that fell and hurt themselves. When the doctors were investigating the child’s injury they found another injury that they suspected could have been caused by parental child abuse. While the courts went into action to do their best to protect the children, the parents lives were torn open for grueling investigation. The parents were finally seen as fit parents and the family was reunited. But this story made me realise that if anyone’s life was torn open for investigation I think there would always be areas that would be considered questionable. We all have a past and we are not perfect, therefore the skeletons in the closet do exist. No matter how amazing someone is, we are never perfect.
Application: When Jesus was dragged before the Sanhedrin the chief priests did a grueling investigation on his life. People came forward and gave false testimonies and yet they still could not find any false evidence against him. It’s like Jesus had no skeletons in the closet! He was honest, up front and consistent. He lived a generous and yet confronting lifestyle. Many people loved Him and yet many feared Him too. But when he had lived out his time on earth the only thing they could hold against him was that he proclaimed to be the Son of God.
While we should always aspire to live our lives as Jesus did we acknowledge that it will not always be easy and it may get us in trouble with the standards of our culture. We must not give up, no matter what skeletons gather from our past but aim to live with integrity as Jesus did.
Prayer: Lord, you set the ultimate example for us. May we strive to have integrity with all we do and say. Amen.
What accountability structures do you have in your life to assist with integrity?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.