If you are a regular reader of this blog, attend Westlake Baptist, or know me personally; then you are aware that I am a sports fan. \u00a0It comes from being raised in a sport’s house and playing sports for the majority of my life. \u00a0I see so many parallels between sports and the Christian life, especially Christian leadership. \u00a0While I don’t watch a lot of basketball, I did like many millions of people tune in for at least a little bit of the NBA Finals Game 1 last week. \u00a0At the end of regulation time (the end of the 4th quarter), a very bizarre play transpired. \u00a0A player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, JR Smith, got a rebound in front of his own basket with the score tired and only 4.7 seconds left. \u00a0Instead of shooting the ball quickly, taking one dribble and shooting, or calling a timeout; Mr. Smith dribbled the ball up towards half court. \u00a0The result was a desperate attempt to throw the ball up by a teammate that had no chance of going in, therefore, sending the game into overtime. \u00a0It was absolutely a gaffe by Mr. Smith. \u00a0Of course the tv cameras caught Mr. Smith’s teammate, Lebron James’ reaction. \u00a0James’ expression and hand gesture instantly made its way onto social media in the form of many memes. \u00a0Since then there have been many other things said and done in making fun of JR Smith and his blunder that very possibly cost his team a win in Game 1. \u00a0I say all of this to say, none of this is really the point. \u00a0The point is how JR Smith was treated by people. \u00a0Did he mess up? \u00a0Absolutely he did. \u00a0He has since then, somewhat admitted to it. \u00a0Was Lebron’s reaction funny in a still photo? \u00a0Yea, I have to admit it really was. \u00a0Did at least 70 million viewers around the world see the play? \u00a0Unfortunately for JR Smith, yes they did. \u00a0Did JR Smith deserve everything he had said, wrote, and printed about him? \u00a0Absolutely not!<\/p>\n
You see behind those jokes, memes, articles, and segments on talk radio is a person, JR Smith. \u00a0Anyone who has ever played a sport, if they are being honest, as at one time or another messed up. \u00a0But even if you haven’t played a sport, have you ever done something goofy or what others might call dumb? \u00a0Sure we have. \u00a0At times I think, if doing something less than intelligent was a college degree program, I would have my doctorate degree ten times over by now. \u00a0For what it’s worth, JR Smith has handled himself well in the face of all of this. \u00a0He hasn’t shied away from the cameras or media interviews. \u00a0And let’s be honest, it would have been real easy to want to have disappeared after that, and especially after Cleveland lost Game 2 a couple nights later. \u00a0But what if your momentary, cranial flatulence was caught on live tv, and see by 70 million plus people? \u00a0What if when you woke up the next day, your social media feed was full of memes with your picture or your teammates picture making fun of you? \u00a0May we all remember Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt. 5:7).<\/p>\n
Let’s remember that there is a person who is the backside of these jokes. \u00a0A person with feelings. \u00a0A person who was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). \u00a0A person loved by God, died for by God, and a person God desires to save and have a relationship with. \u00a0We don’t become bigger people by putting others down. \u00a0Let us remember the words of that great theologian, Thumper’s mom (from Bambi in case you missed the reference), “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” \u00a0How different would I world be if instead of beating up on those who mess up, we found ways to encourage one another? \u00a0As a Christian, this is the way the Lord Jesus told us to be, and there can never be an excuse to do otherwise.<\/p>\n
Today’s Challenge: Find someone to encourage today, and take the time to encourage them.<\/p>\n
Pastor Justin<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you are a regular reader of this blog, attend Westlake Baptist, or know me personally; then you are aware that I am a sports fan. \u00a0It comes from being raised in a sport’s house and playing sports for the … Read More