Last month Ryan Lochte came under scrutiny when a security video surfaced showing Lochte and three other Olympic atheletes were seen trashing a bathroom at a gas station after claiming they were robbed at gun point by Brazilian police in Brazil. Before this, Lochte as well as many other Olympic athletes were considered the best and brightest worthy to be emulated. It just goes to show, it takes only a moment of misjudgment to alter the course of one's career. Lochte lost the respect of many and a significant amount of money via by endorsements.
It seems this generation has a knack for airing their dirty laundry. Sometimes, I see people on social media post something they would later regret. With every cell phone equip with a camera, embarrassing photos flood the internet. Once it's out there for the world to see, shame soon follows.
Mark, a young disciple of Jesus had a moment of weakness as well. During the Apostle Paul's missionary journey, Mark deserted Paul and his cousin, Barnabas (Acts 13:13). There has been speculation as to why Mark left. One reason is that Mark was too young and immature to handle the riggers of the journey. A second and widely considered most likely, is that Mark, being a Jew could not come to terms with Gentiles being included in God's plan of salvation.
When Paul and Barnabas were ready to set out on their second missionary journey, a heated argument arose between the two about Mark joining them again. The result of which was Paul taking Silas and Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-41).
One might think that Mark's future as a someone who would have a significant role in the early church was not looking good. However, it may have been not too long after this that Peter met up with Mark and the writing of Mark's Gospel began, roughly 51-53 AD. What is interesting to note is that Mark's Gospel would have been primarily read by Gentiles.
Paul later would state that Mark was a great value to him in the ministry (2nd Timothy 4:11).
Once someone falters, many pile on in joyful scorn. One can not take back the past and he or she may not fully recover from their situation, but everyone is entitled to redemption and forgiveness. Especially when they endeavour to recover. The world may not be forgiving, but Christian always should.
It seems this generation has a knack for airing their dirty laundry. Sometimes, I see people on social media post something they would later regret. With every cell phone equip with a camera, embarrassing photos flood the internet. Once it's out there for the world to see, shame soon follows.
Mark, a young disciple of Jesus had a moment of weakness as well. During the Apostle Paul's missionary journey, Mark deserted Paul and his cousin, Barnabas (Acts 13:13). There has been speculation as to why Mark left. One reason is that Mark was too young and immature to handle the riggers of the journey. A second and widely considered most likely, is that Mark, being a Jew could not come to terms with Gentiles being included in God's plan of salvation.
When Paul and Barnabas were ready to set out on their second missionary journey, a heated argument arose between the two about Mark joining them again. The result of which was Paul taking Silas and Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-41).
One might think that Mark's future as a someone who would have a significant role in the early church was not looking good. However, it may have been not too long after this that Peter met up with Mark and the writing of Mark's Gospel began, roughly 51-53 AD. What is interesting to note is that Mark's Gospel would have been primarily read by Gentiles.
Paul later would state that Mark was a great value to him in the ministry (2nd Timothy 4:11).
Once someone falters, many pile on in joyful scorn. One can not take back the past and he or she may not fully recover from their situation, but everyone is entitled to redemption and forgiveness. Especially when they endeavour to recover. The world may not be forgiving, but Christian always should.
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