Bob Harris, former weatherman for the New York
television station, WPIX-TV, and the nationally syndicated independent Network
news, had to weather a public storm of his own making in 1979. Though he had
studied math, physics and geology at three colleges, he left school without a
degree but with a strong desire to be a media weatherman. He phoned WCBS-TV,
introducing himself as a Ph.D. in geophysics from Columbia University. The phony
degree got him in the door.
After a two-month tryout, he was hired as an
off-camera forecaster for WCBS. For the next decade his career flourished. He
became widely known as “Dr. Bob.” He was also hired by the New York Times as a
consulting meteorologist. The same year both the Long Island Railroad and then
Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn hired him.
At forty years of age and living his childhood dream!
However, he soon found himself in public disgrace and national humiliation when
an anonymous letter prompted WCBS management to investigate his academic
credentials. Learning the facts about his false credentials, both the TV station
and the New York Times fired him!
His story got attention across the land. He was on the
Today Show, the Tomorrow Show, and in People Weekly, among others. He thought
he’d lose his home and never work in the media again. Harris was able to get
other jobs, but he admits it was a dreadful mistake on his part and doubtless
played a role in his divorce. Observe his words of regret:
“I took a shortcut that turned out to be the long way
around, and one day the bill came due. I will be sorry as long as I am alive.” *
Like Bob Harris, we all have endured storms of our own
making – perhaps not to the same magnitude as Harris’, but perhaps so. The Bible
teaches that “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
And you can be certain that YOUR sin, no matter how
well hidden, will eventually find you out also (Numbers 32:33). One day, “the
bill will come due.” We will ALL have to give an account of our lives to God
(Romans 14:12).
The GOOD NEWS is that forgiveness is available! God
loves us so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins (2
Corinthians 5:21). If we will submit our lives to Him in faith (Acts 16:30-31),
truly repenting of our sins (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Him before men (Romans
10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) in His name (Acts 2:38), then God will
forgive us of our sins. If we continue to walk in the light of His word, then He
will continue to forgive us, too (1 John 1:7).
Some of the storms in our lives are due to wrong
choices that we have made. But Jesus can calm these storms – if we will allow
Him.
Won’t YOU?
David A. Sargent
creekwood@comcast.net
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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