A jeopardized witness

August 1, 2007

By William E. Richardson

“Do not remove the ancient landmark” (Proverbs 22:28, NKJV).

Answer: “It has the reputation as America’s favorite TV quiz show.”

Question: “What is Jeopardy!?”

Why does America like to watch the TV show Jeopardy!? Some watch to test their knowledge, others to learn something. It’s also fun to see the contestants responding correctly and incorrectly under pressure.

A recent decision by this king of quiz shows has made it less fun for some viewers. The producers of Jeopardy! announced they will no longer include a category titled “The Bible.”

Headings for all other areas of knowledge, like “World Geography” and “Potent Potables” (alcoholic beverages), will remain. But “The Bible,” a friendly, familiar category to many, will no longer appear.

Unhappy phone calls and letters have poured in to Sony Pictures Studios, where the program is taped. Viewers wanted God’s Word to remain amid the less familiar cultural factoids.

Every follower of Jesus Christ also has a daily audience. Our viewers watch, expecting to see certain things in our lives, expecting them to always be there.

There are aspects of our Christian witness we can’t afford to disregard or drop.

Our respect. Jesus met people where they were. He treated them as human beings made in God’s image, without condoning their godless behaviors. He’s our example.

Our curiosity and compassion. Others around us know we care because we show interest in their lives. We sincerely want to know about the people and needs important to them. We’re always curious. We’re always caring.

Our sense of humor. Anyone observing a Christian should be able to conclude that deep convictions based on the Bible and a sense of humor are compatible. Humorless believers don’t attract others to Christianity.

Our standard. Of course we should never lower our biblical standard to win others. To voice a conviction and then violate it sends a confusing message. We must remain consistent.

The important areas of respect, curiosity and compassion, sense of humor, and holding a standard reveal true Christianity to the world. Like a lighthouse or other landmark, these qualities define boundaries we can’t afford to remove. Doing so could jeopardize our witness.

Answer: “It’s a believer’s visible contribution to winning others to Christianity.”

Question: “What is a consistent Christian witness?”

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.