Preachers and scandals...

Has anyone ever noticed how scandals involving unbelievers are played down and even accepted as being "just one of those things" by society? But how Pastors' divorces, extra-marital affairs or domestic disputes make headlines in the media?

Truth is: the world looks up to Christians to set the standard in various aspects of life. The Lord Jesus himself declared in Matthew 5 v 14, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill can not be hidden."

 It's a well-known fact that people believe what you do more than what you preach. For this reason, the devil wages war against Preachers, in a desperate attempt to taint their testimony and limit their impact in society. Christians need to open their eyes and realize that the enemy means business! He is out to break Christian marriages, send Christian kids to jail and turn the church into a three-ringed circus.

 If God has called you to preach, serve Him with all your heart and soul, but remember to make time for your family. It's no good being super-spiritual when your family life is in shambles. Play with your kids and find out what's happening in their lives. Help them with their homework and encourage them to be the best they can be. Being a parent may not be glamorous, but it's a high calling in itself. Like the famous saying goes, "Charity begins at home."

Invest time, money and energy into your marriage. Teach your children how to love their future partners by being a loving husband or wife. Support your spouse's dreams and help them flourish in all areas of their lives. Make time to chat about things other than the bills, daily schedules and difficult problems. Take romantic walks, watch movies together, visit places of interest and keep the flame of love burning. Protect your marriage from sexual indiscretion - remember, a single act of infidelity can set a bad example for the people who look up to you.

And if you're young and unmarried like me: live life to the max! See the world, explore your talents and find your niche. Above all, honor God and respect the people around you. If you do this, staying out of trouble will become super-easy.

It's time for Christians to arise and show the world what healthy relationships, marriages and families look like. Our lifestyles are far more powerful than any sermon we can preach.