Embarrassing Moments

You've probably heard about or seen the video of this poor woman who tumbles into a fountain while texting. That's pretty embarrassing stuff, huh? My wife told me this morning just before I left for work that this video was even shown on Good Morning America! You have to feel for someone like this, right? I mean, why is it that we get such a kick out of the folly of others? It makes me super happy that none of my most embarrassing moments have been caught on tape!

Speaking of my embarrassing moments...a quick story: About a decade ago while a student at Liberty University, I got a call from the "Student Life Office" saying that I had been selected from the student body for a special, private luncheon with no other than our school's founder and chancellor, Jerry Falwell. The appointed date and time were given to me and when it came I was ready. Dressed in my best suit, I marched into the Executive Dining area and proudly asked where everyone was for the special luncheon. I was greeted by a puzzled-faced administrator. Then, hearing giggles behind me, I turned to see two gals who had just pulled the greatest "practical joke" on me in the history of my life. Talk about your (gullible) embarrassing moments!

There is a scene in the New Testament that captures an even more significant embarrassing moment. In Matthew 25, Jesus is teaching and giving parables. He is talking about the end of time when He will return in glorious judgment and our works will be weighed according to their worth. In His dialogue, Jesus is stating that there will be some who hear the words, "Well done, you good and faithful servant." There will be others who, expecting to receive such praise, will instead hear the words, "Depart from me, you who are cursed...for I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink...".

Let me ask you this: If Jesus showed up today, would you be embarrassed by the condition of your life? Are there things in your life that you know are out of place for someone who claims to love the Lord? Would you hear the words, "Well done" or "Depart from me"? Sometimes thinking about this sends shivers up my spine. My prayer is that not one of you will be embarrassed on that day.