Sports Devotional 3/30/2000
Updated Feb 01, 2002
March 30
From the Game Plan
Read 1John 1:5-2:2
Summary of 1 John 1:5-2:2: God is perfect, and we are far from it. We sin, but there is a way to be purified from sin: through faith in Jesus Christ. He will forgive our sins if we admit our imperfection. When we sin, we can have Jesus Christ be our defender -- if we have put our faith in Him. One way we can tell that we have truly put our trust in Jesus is this: We want to obey what He says in the Bible.
Point of Emphasis
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves. 1 John 1:8.
Writing for Inside Sports magazine before it went out of business, John Feinstein pointed out an interesting phenomenon. When a young sports superstar comes along, he is sometimes put on a pedestal and treated as if he could do no wrong. If a gifted star is foolish enough to believe his agent and ad men, he usually ends up a failure.
Mike Tyson is one example, says Feinstein. The inside world of boxing knew all about his problems with sex and violence. But no one stepped forward to hold him accountable, and no one was surprised at his numerous arrests and convictions. Even after his release from prison, boxing continued to cradle and exploit him. Finally the violence erupted in the ring, when he bit the ears of his opponent. He was suspended from boxing, but subsequently he was allowed to box again.
Another example Feinstein pointed out is John Daly, a young professional golfer who could drive the ball into orbit. He came from nowhere to win the 1991 PGA Championship, but he was an alcoholic. No one confronted him until his behavior got so bad the PGA had to suspend him to avoid embarrassment. After rehab he went right back on the tour, but soon he was drinking again. He continually struggles with these problems.
A third example Feinstein used is Andre Agassi. He was a much-hyped tennis player with good potential and little self-discipline. Despite an occasional success, he fell to a ranking of 122 at one time. Fortunately, Agassi has reclaimed his career and is now a top-rated tennis player again.
Before we become too judgmental with the problems of these athletes, let's remember that they are no different from us. We all do wrong things. We all sin (Romans 3:23). We do wrong, though we like to think it's not as bad as the next guy. We can't expect to make it on talent and good intentions alone. The earlier we find the humility to admit our weaknesses and our desperate need of Christ, the sooner we'll become mature, productive members of God's family.
Nobody's perfect. The sooner we admit it, the better. -- Dave Egner
Upon Further Review
What is in me that keeps me from facing my mortality and my sins?
What will help me more clearly see myself as I am? Scripture? An accountability partner? Prayer?
Do I have a shortcoming that I am refusing to face? Is pride keeping me from dealing with it? What will I do about it?
Action Point
Resource: When We Don't Measure Up
Athlete of the Day
Andre Agassi has had a roller coaster career in tennis. He went from 618th in 1985 to third in 1988. In 1994 and 1995, he was second in the world. But in 1997, he was 122nd. Now, after winning both the French Open and the U.S. Open, he's No. 1. His spiritual life also seems to have had its ups and downs as well. It's hard to evaluate someone else's spiritual temperature, but he has in the past claimed to be a follower of Christ.
Prayer Strategy
For yourself: Pray that God will convict you of things in your life that are not pleasing to him. Most of all, if you've never confessed your sin and sought the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, that is the most important prayer you can ever say.
For Andre: Ask God to continually work on him and give him guidance to live as He wants this top tennis player to live.
Originally published March 26, 2001.
