This morning’s message is different than others, in that the word for today is a person’s name rather than a word that might provide encouragement or inspiration.

How soon we forget! It seems as if during the pandemic there was an attempt by persons to destroy or defame the names and character of some good people. There have been those who were guilty of many accusations brought against them, yet they were able to escape or elude judgement and sentencing. On the other hand, there were those who have had glamorous and glorious careers, but were defamed and convicted for their actions due to allegations, and in some cases without proof. The question often asked is, “Why after so many years are some of these negative reports brought to the public’s eye?”

During the year 2020, Andrew Cuomo, New York State Governor gained the trust and confidence of the people in New York and other states. Regardless of whether we like him or not, he was a voice of reasoning during the pandemic, while others either kept silent or refused to go public with their thoughts and comments. He was not intimidated by political parties or political rhetoric. Whether Andrew Cuomo was guilty of the sexual harassment allegations is not the issue here, but for the record, sexual harassment is condemned and should not be tolerated if proven to be true. What is of concern is how one can be the heartbeat and spokesperson for America in a time of national emergency, and shortly thereafter become the villain. It is an example of being on top of the world one day and in the pit the next. Andrew Cuomo was so impressive that there were people in high positions who thought he would run for president. There were bachelorettes who had their eyes on Andrew Cuomo and his brother, Chris Cuomo. Maybe, just maybe, there was an attempt to defame these guys so that the glimmer of a chance for running for president would be null and void. If he had run for the highest position in the land, I certainly would have voted for him. It seems unfair and unreasonable for some individuals to get away with a plethora of unethical and immoral acts, yet avoid all judgements and legal actions. They even find favor and support from the highest establishment.  

During the pandemic, it seemed as if every person who had a gripe against someone else brought it to the public’s attention in some way. Shame on us, for if you were someone of name recognition or famous, your destiny or future was pretty much doomed. Again, may I reiterate, bad behavior and sexual harassment should not be accepted or tolerated, but retribution must be applicable to everyone.             

I often wonder what satisfaction a person gets for assassinating another person’s character. Don’t get me wrong, for if we do the crime, we should be willing to pay the fine and do the time.

I must admit that for the first time in ministry, I am more aware of what and how I say things to people, men and women, boys and girls than ever before.

As I was writing this message, the biblical character Solomon came to mind. Scripture tells us that Solomon started out being pleasing unto the Lord. God gave him an understanding heart to judge his people, and the ability to discern good from evil. Solomon asked God for wisdom and God granted it, but along the way he became disobedient. Solomon’s sins caused major problems for the Israelites, even to the point of causing the kingdom to be led into captivity.

Here is the message for all believers: This man who was blessed with great wisdom, the man who built the first Temple to the Lord, is the same one who built temples for his wives to worship other gods. The Bible says, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.” Luke 16:13  

God calls us to live righteously and to conduct our lives in an upright manner and with moral standards that reflect our relationship with the Lord. He calls and expects us to live according to His Word. This does not mean that along the way we have not erred, but as a redeemed child of God we must mirror His ways.

May we not put ourselves in position to fall from grace as we saw the great man that broke God’s heart, Solomon.

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor