It is known fact that all “good sports” are not Christians, in the strictest sense of the word, but every true Christian is always a good sport! I watched a group of “church league” softball players one afternoon, long ago, and I really got an education on sportsmanship and Christianity. During the heat of competition, one group seemed to laugh at all of their mistakes, and generally speaking, those guys seemed to be having the time of their lives, even though they also seemed to be losing. Their speech was good, above reproach, and their attitude attested to the fact that they were good sportsmen.
The group which won (?) the game was representing another “church” group, and to say the least, their conduct and speech was disgraceful. They were constantly bickering, were quick to contest a call that did not suit them, and their use of expletives bordered upon plain ugly talk. They displayed anything but good sportsmanship and Christianity. When an umpire ruled in a way that did not please them, they would fuss and quarrel like a spoiled brat, instead of acting like gentlemen, or as a representative of a “church group” that insisted upon fair play and clean speech.
I am thoroughly convinced that “Christians” must set the proper example in all that they say, and do; and this sort of attitude will reflect itself in their consideration of others, fair play and mature actions. A Christian does not “bag” 12 squirrels when the bag limit is five! He does not load his shotgun with five shells, when the state rule is only three. Likewise, a Christian will not be so petty, or small, as to ruin a perfectly wonderful outing, with the use of unclean speech, biting words or other unnecessary disruptive outbursts. Being with loved ones or best friends should bring out the best in anyone’s behavior and speech. Paul gave his young Gospel preacher Titus a profound truth as he spoke the words of Titus 2:7 to him. “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (Titus 2:7).
It is hard to realize the far reaching aspect of one’s life, and actions. There is always someone who uses you as his prime example in the ordering of his life, and that renders us liable, if we do not set the proper example before him. I was reading a wonderful sermon that was preached by brother Howell Bigham in the “Sad Statements of the Bible” lectureship in 2000, and I was struck by the simplicity of the effect that one’s life could have upon another, as brother Bigham depicted such in his sermon. His illustration of this was spelled out in the following verse, which he used.
The lightest breeze that ever blew, some slender grass has wavered;
The smallest life one ever knew, some other life has flavored.
We cannot live our lives alone, for other lives we chance to touch
Are either strengthened by our own, or weakened just as much.
(Knight’s Master Book of New Illustrations)
Someone has said that we talk a lot of religion in this country, but we need to stop long enough for our feet to catch up with our mouths! Is that lots of “talkie talkie” and no “walkie walkie”?
