Your family may have been like mine. When “The Huxtables” came on, the whole family sat down to watch. It was one of those programs we allowed our children to watch. In fact, we encouraged the wholesome, family oriented nature of that program.

Bill Cosby gave every indication of being an exemplary person. He was a tremendous spokesman for Temple University, his alma mater. He was known as “America’s Father.”

How sad the way he is finishing his life. Ten years ago a woman brought a charge against Cosby that he had drugged and raped her. Soon, 40 other women came forward with similar charges. While logic told you that there must be some truth to the accusations, this week removed all doubt. Under oath Bill Cosby admitted obtaining the drug Quaalude for the purpose of drugging a woman for sex.

How did we miss the truth about Bill Cosby? What can we learn from something as sordid as this?

First, we must remember that outward is only an appearance. It is what’s inside us that counts. 

Jesus emphasized this. “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you, you are defiled by what comes from your heart. . . . For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you” (Mark 7:15, 21-23).

Bill Cosby carefully groomed his outward appearance, but inside he was like a “whitewashed tomb.”

Jesus spoke of hypocrites. These were actors in a play who wore a mask which concealed who they really were. As we look at people in the entertainment industry, we need to remember the sad case of the real Cosby family.

Second, we have to look at our own lives. We all have an inside problem. 

Years ago, I heard one of the most insightful and meaningful quotes (spoken to pastors): “If you don’t deal with your issues in your 20’s and 30’s, they will destroy you in your 40’s and 50’s.” That statement helped me to look at what’s inside and to begin letting God help me with my issues.

Ever since I heard that statement, I have tried to help young men and young women deal with their issues. I hope you will as well.

Third, only God can really bring about our change. We can try and give it our best, but God did what had to be done to change the heart. He gave His own Son for you.

Let me encourage you to give your whole self to God by inviting Him to take charge of your life. Ask Him what needs to be changed within you, and let Him begin to make you different.

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