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Jesus has now reconciled us in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him (Colossians 1:22, ESV)
The New Testament uses the phrase “above reproach” to describe what Christ has done for us. The word indicates a life of loving God that’s not discredited by our actions.
Leaders are also challenged to be above reproach . . .
For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach (Titus 1:7).
Let’s live this week “above reproach.” How? Is it possible?
Since we live in the flesh, living above reproach is like walking on a tightrope above Niagara Falls with vertigo. Inevitably we will fall.
Even with Jesus as our Savior, too easily, we stumble.
There are two ways in which we fall. We claim to love but compromise truth, or we speak of truth and forget to love. Too much love and truth disappears — progressive churches follow this path. Too much truth and love evaporates — many of us were raised in legalistic churches.
The tightrope of “above reproach” is living by grace in both truth and love!
How do we, as sinners, live above approach without becoming judgmental or accommodating licentious behavior?
Be humble. Admit that we sin. We sin when our actions do not portray the grace and mercy of God in our lives.
Be accountable. Accountability begins with the Word of God. False teaching can’t correct our lives. Let’s meet regularly with believers who love the truth.
Pray often with others. Unity praying is a necessity in the last days. Nothing of note will happen without prayer. We will not be victorious, healed, set free, or speak truth in love without prayer. Praying alone isn’t enough; seek out prayer warriors.
Laugh often. It’s sad when a culture stops laughing. We get angry, and we accuse. It’s hard to get mad at someone else when we’re laughing at ourselves.
Okay, back to the tightrope across Niagara Falls. Someone did walk safely across it. In 1959, Charles Blondin crossed the Falls carrying a 26-foot pole to help with his balance.
Then Charles went crazy.
In subsequent attempts, he walked without a pole to help balance, walked backward, crossed blindfolded, sat down on the wire, hung from the wire, pulled up a bottle of wine from the Maid of the Mist tourist boat and drank it, somersaulted across, and even pushed over a wheelbarrow.
It’s the wheelbarrow that’s become a source of legend for preachers.
Early in my preaching career, I heard that Blondin, after pushing the wheelbarrow across the tightrope, asked someone, “Do you believe that I can push this wheelbarrow across Niagara Falls?”
The spectator said, “Yes.”
Blondin then asked him, “Can I push you across?”
In this illustration, preachers then say, “That’s the difference between mere belief and faith.”
I disagree as I have faith, but I wouldn’t sit in that wheelbarrow. I know this because “living above reproach” has been my ministry-long goal as a pastor.
Only by faith in Jesus is it possible. No vertigo, just my Lord and Savior.