Comments on: Joe Paterno’s One Mistake: Should it Define His Life and Legacy?

By: Ben Toh

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 01:21:42 +0000

The wages of sin? 14 years of PSU football victories by Paterno stripped: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/03/us/pennsylvania-penn-state-paterno/

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By: sharon

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:28:48 +0000

your cute :) I hope we can see you in chicago next week. we will be in touch.

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By: Ben Toh

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:26:31 +0000

For sure Sharon. Whatever His reasons, I felt God giving me many “Ps” to pray for: PSU, PAL, Podil, Peaces and the Philippines! Either God is cute (and holy), or I am just “odd,” as my 94 year old mom often says about me!

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By: sharon

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:45 +0000

Well said, Brian. Thank God that he brings us down, exposing our idols and helping us to repent and turn to what really matters. Thank you, Ben for this article. Please keep PSU and State College in your prayers.

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By: Brian Karcher

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:29:55 +0000

“What is your legacy?” That was a question posed by pastor Bryan at Grace Community last Sunday. The context was Stephen, the first non-apostle spokesman for the early church and the first martyr because of faith in Jesus. I doubt Stephen wanted or imagined that would be his legacy. Do we remember anything else Stephen did? I believe God gave Stephen such a legacy.

One thing I learn from the Joe P. case is that we can’t control our legacy. Even if we use all our ambition and live as good as possible, one decision can become all that people remember. I believe God also gave Joe P. two legacies: on one hand he could be held up as a model for good character, ambitious hard work and faithful persistence. I think his life has much to teach us in that regard.

Yet the other part of Joe P.’s legacy is tied to his part in the scandal and the ensuing cover-up. I believe God allowed this to happen as a lesson for all people in leadership or who have authority: protect the innocent!

I see a dire lesson here for organizations too. Like an ambitious steam-roller, the Penn State football program fostered an environment where abuse could not only occur, but could be covered up for many years. All the while people praised Joe P. and Penn State for its football victories, numerous people knew the dark side. They watched Joe P. get praised and trophies paraded while they kept the pain hidden inside them. At each graduation, they heard about how good Joe P. is and how wonderful their football team is, all the while the darkness ate away at their soul.

Organizations (religious or not) really need to remember that people are far more valuable than goals and victory. At what cost do we accomplish our goals? Is it worth it? At what point do we give up our goals and plans to God and see the hurt around us? When do we stop pretending everything is glorious and wonderful? When will someone scream “stop” and pay attention to the wounded?

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By: Ben Toh

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:13:00 +0000

By: Ben Toh

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:52:06 +0000

For sure, Darren. It’s nothing but unmerrited Grace that compels our soul to seem Him, I love this stanza from “I Sought The Lord”:

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
he moved my soul to seek him, seeking me.
It was not I who found, O Savior true;
no, I was found of thee.

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By: Darren Gruett

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:23:02 +0000

I feel exactly the same way, so I am glad to know I am not alone in that respect. Sundays are especially difficult, because I feel like I’ve worked hard all week and need a little down time, which is okay, to a point. Yet, even after watching a movie or a football game I find that I have to open up my Bible and spend time with the Lord. My soul misses His Word if I am away from it for too long.

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By: Ben Toh

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:13:47 +0000

No, Darren, you did not put words in my mouth. I agonize virtually daily about how to use my time productively, effieciently, effectively and prayerfully, because I seem to be so undiciplined, scatter-brained, distracted, unfocused, etc.

What helps me the most daily is in reading sermons, books, commentaries, blogs, which helps me to delight in the Bible, in the Gospel, and in Jesus. Also, preparing for our weekly Bible studies and weekly sermons helps to keep me on track day by day.

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By: Darren Gruett

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:02:31 +0000

Well, said. I hope you know I wasn’t trying to put words in your mouth. That’s my sin.

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By: Ben Toh

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:25:12 +0000

Great question, Oscar. I am not a sinner because I sin. But I sin because I am a sinner. I felt bad that I watched parts of both NFL games, because I could and should have spent my time more productively.

My “excuse” is that after giving the sermon on Sun, I usually feel a little spent emotionally. Then I realize how feeble I am, compared with some pastors who give multiple sermons on Sun. I just read yesterday that Mark Driscoll gave 7 one hour sermons every Sun from morning to night for about a decade!

My short answer is that “No” it is not a sin to watch 2 football games on Sun. For myself, I pray I won’t do it again next year. Please remind me!

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By: Darren Gruett

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:05:53 +0000

I think what Ben is saying is that it was a sin to do it when his conscience was telling him otherwise.

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By: Oscar

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:54:00 +0000

Wait a minute, it’s a sin to watch 2 football games on a Sunday?

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By: Darren Gruett

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:53:11 +0000

Yeah, I did that too on Sunday, and felt a little empty inside afterward. Thank God for Jesus!

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By: Ben Toh

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:44:16 +0000

Thanks, Darren. Yup, for sure I always want to cover my sin, like watching 2 NFL games on Sun, even though I didn’t really want to!!! If I do not really believe that Jesus completely covered my sins, I will have to do it myself, and live like a hypocrit all my days! Thank God for Jesus who saved me from being a Pharisee. Yet, I still wake up every morning as one!

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By: Ben Toh

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:29:51 +0000

Yes, yet, by the grace of Jesus alone, God no longer holds it against me, even if people might. So, as a Christian, it’s “No!” This is totally mind boggling to me. The Gospel is truly conter-intuitive and transformative (2 Cor 3:18). To this day, I grieve because of my sins. Yet Jesus’ love for me never changes (Jer 31:3). This changes my heart.

Sorry, Mary, if I confused you. I really liked and am moved by your first comment, which expresses Jesus’ love for you first, and your confession of love for Jesus in response.

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By: Darren Gruett

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:09:00 +0000

By: Mary

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:04:06 +0000

Sorry, but……Did I miss the point ? are you saying our mistakes/sins define who we are?

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By: Ben Toh

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:06:14 +0000

Thanks, Mary J. I can literally and virtually echo your words and your sentiment upon myself with tears of awe and gratitude! Thank you, Jesus. I live by your mercy and grace alone.

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By: Mary J.

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:22:12 +0000

Ben, thank you for this thought-provoking article. I am humbled and thankful to God for overlooking my long list of sins and mistakes I made in life (and have yet to make) — and embraces me into his loving arms. Thank you Jesus for taking the blame and undergoing brutal punishment for my sins.

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