This morning Pat Robertson, self-proclaimed leader of the Religious Right and multi-millionaire, claimed that God brought the destruction of the earthquake to Haiti because the country is cursed. (Click on this link to watch or read.) I hope this gives us great pause. Rather than debating within our little “holy huddle” the absurdity of his comments, I would challenge us to think deeply about how his words are not helpful as they were received by non-Christians. Remember, he is a spokesman for us whether we like it or not.

Although as Jesus followers we don’t have the influence to get on CNN and “shout” back at Mr. Robertson, we do have some influence in the lives of a few non-Christians around us. Don’t you? I wonder if after hearing Mr. Robertson’s comments, the non-Christians we DO have some influence and credibility with can look at us and see for themselves whether we could truly believe something so insidious and hateful. Or, do they really know we are Jesus’ disciples by our love?

Wouldn’t it have been more helpful for Mr. Robertson to not say anything and just donate some of his personal fortune to the rebuilding efforts. Maybe the one thing that we have in common with him is that sometimes we’d rather sit back and let someone else give and serve without getting any “skin in the game.” This Sunday, we’re going to take an offering for Haiti that will be sent to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. We may not get to travel down there and help them personally, but we can be the hands and feet of Jesus through the gift of giving generously.

We are spokesman for Jesus, too. Let your life speak through how you live for Him!