In recent months several sports coaches, elected officials, and other public figures have been forced out of their jobs, not only for breaking rules or acting inappropriately but also for lying and covering up what they had done. In almost all of these cases, the consequences of the coverup were more severe than the consequences of the initial crime. This week LinC will look at some examples of biblical “coverups,” discuss the consequences of dishonesty and how we can avoid making lying a habit, and help youth commit to truth-telling. Key Scriptures: Genesis 3:1-24; 2 Samuel 11:1-17; John 8:31-32; Ephesians 4:17-32. The eighth and final installment of the Harry Potter film franchise, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II, has broken box-office records and has a rating of 96 percent at Rotten Tomatoes. While the theme of self-giving, self-sacrificial love is at play throughout the Potter books and movies, it is especially apparent toward the end of the last episode. (We won’t say anymore for the benefit of those who haven’t read or seen it yet.) This sort of love is at the very heart of our Christian faith. Next week we’ll remember how Christ sacrificed himself on our behalf and calls us to give of ourselves for God and others.
