I have never met Joe Paterno, yet as I have watched the media coverage over the past week about the child molestation scandal at Penn State University, Mr. Paterno’s situation has reminded me of something very important.
Our legacy can rise or fall on a single action; on one choice made.
Joe Paterno, the 84 year old beloved Penn State coach, who coached football for 61 years, has been fired because of a single choice. In 2002 a Penn State graduate assistant witnessed a coaching assistant to Paterno sexually assault a young boy. The graduate assistant told Paterno about what he saw. Paterno, in turn, told the college’s athletic director and vice president about the report by the graduate assistant. Apparently, that was about as far as it went. Neither official took action. Paterno allegedly never pursued the matter any further.
Our legacy can rise or fall on a single action; whether by commission or omission; one choice can make the difference.
Mr. Paterno’s failure to pursue the matter has brought down around him a legacy built on honor and trust. The news pundits have batted around the question of whether Mr. Paterno was ever the person he appeared to be. I believe he was. He made a mistake when he did not pursue the molestation accusation further, but that mistake does not make him a sham. It makes him human….painfully human. Just like you and just like me. It also makes him worthy of mercy and grace.
My legacy, like Mr. Paterno’s, is always one poor decision away from crashing. So is yours. That is why it is so critical for a Christian to filter every decision through the sieve of God’s Word. ‘What Would Jesus Do’ is more than a cute little slogan on bracelets. It should be the force that influences every decision we make.
Mr. Paterno will likely never read this post, but in case he does, I want him to know there is forgiveness, mercy, and a fresh start through Jesus Christ. Sometimes our greatest moments come after a horrendous fall and we are never too old to take advantage of a new day in Jesus. I know this one from experience. God bless you, Mr. Paterno. We all make mistakes, however, the only mistake that offers no grace and mercy is rejecting Jesus. I pray you know the mercy and grace offered by Jesus.
I am thankful for mercy and grace!
