"If we are now holding late night talk show hosts to the same moral accountability as we hold politicians and clergyman, I'm out. I'm gone."  (Craig Ferguson, host of the "Late Late Show" on the controversy surrounding humorist David Letterman)

 

I fear that Mr. Ferguson's comment reveals a common but faulty perception of the standard of moral accountability, namely that there are varying standards.  Such a perception becomes an easy excuse for one's own moral peccadilloes (or sins as the Bible calls them).

 

The fact is there is one standard of righteousness to which we all are held, whether we are late night talk show hosts, presidents or preachers.  Or anyone else for that matter.  The standard is the righteousness of God written in the law and lived out in Jesus.  It is a standard of perfection.  It is a standard to which none of us have attained.  It is a standard that leaves us guilty and lacking the glory of God. (Romans 3)

 

Craig Ferguson's need is the same as David Letterman's need is the same as my need.  We are all declared guilty before God by the law and we all fail to live up to the righteousness of Christ.  We all need forgiveness for that guilt.  We all need to be made right before God.  And none of us are able to accomplish it ourselves.  Thus, we need a Savior.

 

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15, the Apostle Paul)

 

Ferguson's response to his shortcomings is deflection of guilt through humor.  What I pray is that he would accept that Jesus came to save him from his sins.  I pray that all men everywhere would accept that Jesus is the Savior from sins.  I pray that you will accept Jesus as your personal Savior from your sins.

 

Sin is no laughing matter.  Hell is not a humorous place.  Heaven, however, rings with the laughter of souls redeemed.