The Perplexing Absence of Self-control in Sports
Commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, Washington
Recently my wife and I watched a basketball game in
a high school gymnasium. One of the players also participates in our
church youth group. We wanted to see him play.
We expected to enjoy a well contested game between rival high school
teams. But sadly, our anticipated joy was overshadowed by the disappointing
behavior of one of the coaches.
Around the world in recent months sporting events have received considerable
media attention over the lack of self-control displayed by players, coaches,
and fans. Soccer games have turned into riots, baseball players have
been attacked by 'fans,' and a melee of fisticuffs and throwing
chairs marred a NBA game. Even parents are now being banned from Little
League baseball games in some areas for their lack of self-control.
One has to wonder, what is going on in the sports world? The answer
might be: We now put up with a lack of self-control at games that we
once took for granted as obviously unacceptable.
While the disappointing high school coach was not physically violent,
he spent much of the game running up and down the sideline yelling at
his players. Instead of letting them play their game and build confidence,
he belittled them in front of everyone in the gym for any mistakes they
made. The players on his team dropped their eyes to the floor and pretended
to concentrate on the game, but their embarrassment was obvious. Their
level of play declined as his yelling and criticism increased. Needless
to say, his team lost the game.
An important rule of managing people is: Always praise in public;
criticize, if you must, only in private. This advice reflects
the Bible principle "You shall love your neighbor as
yourself" (Romans 13:9). None of us wants to be corrected or
humiliated in front of others, especially in front of family members
or classmates.
If the basketball coach had understood this one rule his entire approach
to coaching would have been different and his chances of winning games
greatly improved. But despite having talented players, his team ended
up the season with only one win.
If we want to be our best and bring out the best in others we need to
follow the rules of treating others with the same respect that we would
like to receive from them. Where do you find those rules? The simple
answer: in the Word of God. The Bible is full of wisdom and sage admonitions
concerning what we ought to say and how we ought to treat other people.
Increasingly, most of Western society now openly rejects advice from
the Bible. The obvious result is an increase in violence and uncontrolled
outbursts of anger at all levels. Also, many professional athletes no
longer become positive role models for the youth who admire them.
Consider what would happen if the following principles were followed
in the sports world:
- "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he
who rules his own spirit than he who takes a city" (Proverbs
6:32).
- "Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests
in the bosom of fools" (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
- "Let no corrupt words proceed out of your mouth, but what is
good for necessary edification" (Ephesians 4:29).
- "Do not provoke your children to wrath …" (Ephesians
6:4).
These are just samples of the solid principles of courteous, respectful
conduct taught in the pages of your Bible. Perhaps this is why President
Theodore Roosevelt said that a thorough knowledge of the Bible was more
valuable than any other education.
During this coming week, take a few moments each day to reflect upon
this cardinal rule of good management relationships: Always praise
in public; criticize, if you must, only in private. If you let this
rule guide you in your workplace, in your family, and in your social
life much more rewarding relationships will be the natural result.
Following the outstanding example of Jesus Christ is always rewarding.
To do that successfully we need the foundational knowledge of good relationships
revealed throughout God's word, the Bible. Most of us also need
assistance in putting the various pieces of that knowledge together in
our own minds in a truly meaningful way (Romans 10:14).
 For that assistance, we recommend that you take advantage of our free,
concise and clearly written 12 step study program for understanding the
validity and content of the Bible. Each step will give you the guidance
you need for one month of meaningful study—on your own time table.
So request or download now your 12 free monthly lessons of our exceptional
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