By Matt Osborne, Staff Writer

Whether for positive or negative reasons, the University of Michigan seems to be a mainstay in college football headlines these days.

On the positive side of things, the Wolverines are coming off of some very successful campaigns on the field, having won consecutive Big Ten Titles and making back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances.

Additionally, Michigan has started off the 2023 season a perfect 7-0 and is currently ranked at No. 2 in the national polls, setting itself up in prime position to make another run at the Playoff.

But while the program has been experiencing tremendous success on the gridiron, the team has also been involved in multiple scandals that have marred the institution’s reputation in the eyes of many.

Earlier this season, head coach Jim Harbaugh served a three-game suspension that was self-imposed by the university for alleged recruiting violations that took place during the COVID-19 dead period.

Though the NCAA is continuing to investigate these allegations, and there remains the possibility that both Harbaugh and the program might face further disciplinary actions in the future, the school’s decision to self-impose a suspension certainly is very telling about the potential legitimacy of the allegations.

To make matters even worse, the NCAA recently confirmed it’s now investigating Michigan for allegations that the Wolverines engaged in illegally stealing signs from their opponents.

The details of the current allegations are unclear, and it would be premature to jump to conclusions before detailed evidence emerges from the case.

Even so, this second round of allegations has now engulfed Michigan in what writer, Pat Forde, of Sports Illustrated, labeled a “cloud of cynicism and doubt.”

In light of the recent happenings, many people are starting to ask questions like the ones listed below:

• Have the Wolverines really been one of the best teams the past couple of seasons, or has much of their success been a result of gaining unfair advantages through cheating?

• Does Michigan deserve to be ranked No. 2 if it has been stealing signs from its opponents?

• If these allegations are true, what other illegal affairs has the team been engaged in?

Again, it needs to be stated that we currently don’t have all of the details involving this case, so we shouldn’t be rash in jumping to conclusions or making assumptions.

Simultaneously, however, we can acknowledge that Michigan has put itself in an unfavorable position where the legitimacy of its success will be questioned by many.

The situation involving the Wolverines serves to remind us of the importance of avoiding the appearance of evil as we follow Jesus.

As we go about living our lives, the people of the world are constantly evaluating and assessing our behavior. When we habitually act in sinful ways that are inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus, we potentially create a “cloud of cynicism and doubt” when it comes to people’s assessment of the Christian faith.

In laying out the qualifications to serve as an elder (pastor) in 1 Timothy 3, the Apostle Paul says that an aspiring elder must be “above reproach” (verse 2) and “well thought of by outsiders” (verse 7).

The main idea is that this man must not garner a negative reputation for himself through his sinful conduct, because such behavior hinders the cause of Christ.

And while many of us may never serve in the office of elder, these same qualifications are characteristics for which every true believer should strive.

Scripture is exceedingly clear that we should use our words to convey Gospel truths to people (See Romans 10:14-17).

Yet, we also see that it’s equally important to live a life of character and integrity so our truthful message doesn’t get tainted by our actions.

1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV) says, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”  

In the very next chapter, Peter addresses the issue again by saying, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as Holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:15-16, ESV).

As followers of Jesus, we know the importance of not giving off the appearance of evil to those around us so our message isn’t tainted or disregarded due to our shortcomings.

Today, let’s make sure we’re living lives that are considered “above reproach,” keeping our conduct pure so people might glorify our good and gracious God.

I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all the times I’ve sinned and brought reproach upon Your name. Please help me to live a Holy life that serves to legitimize the truth of Your Gospel so You might receive the glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.