How to Share Your Faith Using Mel Gibson's 'Despicable Behavior'
The media's abuzz with Mel Gibson's despicable and shameful behavior - speeding, drunk driving, resisting arrest, and anti-Semitic comments (i.e. cutting down the Jewish people and their history). The sheriff's report says Gibson told the arresting deputy: "The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world," and asked him, "Are you a Jew?"
Gibson has issued two public apologies since then, and has entered an additional alcohol treatment program as an outpatient. He has acknowledged that he has struggled for years with alcoholism. Gibson also issued a statement acknowledging that he "acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable. I am deeply ashamed of everything I said."
In Gibson's subsequent public statement he addressed more specifically how his behavior contradicts his beliefs. In his own words:
"The tenets of what I profess to believe necessitate that I exercise charity and tolerance as a way of life. Every human being is God's child, and if I wish to honour my God I have to honour his children. But please know from my heart that I am not an anti-Semite. I am not a bigot. Hatred of any kind goes against my faith."
Mel Gibson fully acknowledges that he has fallen short in living out God's standard which calls us to live pure and holy lives. And the Bible tells us that Jesus has some opinions about those who say they are followers of God, but do not walk the walk. But Jesus also extends forgiveness to those who fall short of God's standards - God's grace to sinful, fallen people is the Good News of the Gospel.
As you find yourself with opportunities to discuss this news story with your friends, you might be wondering how you can use this negative PR about a prominent Christian to share your faith. Here are some ideas:
- Ask your friends what they think about the Mel Gibson incident. Many times Christians are criticized (and rightly so) for being hypocritical. Is this one of those situations? How would you define "hypocrite"?
- Discuss what do you think is the difference between being 'hypocritical' and falling short of God's standards to live holy lives? Do you always live up to your own standards? How do you feel when you fall short? What do you do when you feel guilty? Share your perspective and describe how Jesus responded to sinful people like the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11) or the woman at the well (John 4:4-26).
- Gibson acknowledges his anti-Jewish comments go against his faith. Have you ever been in a circumstance where you should have stood up against racism or bigotry? Would you stand up if a racist conversation arose among your circle of friends in the future?
Mel Gibson finds himself in a mess of his own making. God often allows us to live with the consequences of our sinful choices and in this case that could mean significant damage to Gibson's box office appeal and a possible six months jail sentence for the DUI charge. But even though Gibson's made a mess of his situation, our God's in the business of redeeming the messes. Look for ways to redeem this news story and use this 'despicable behavior' as an opportunity to talk about the God who redeemed the messes in your life, and can do the same for your friends!
