Character Sill Counts

Guest Post: This is a reminder from my good friend and Pastor of Sports Ministry at the Chapel. I appreciate Dale Saylor's heart and passion to honor our Savior through sport. Dale spent a number of years serving with FCA prior to joining the Chapel staff. As you read it over, I hope this encourages you today.

Dale Saylor writes...

Have you taken notice to the fact that coaches and organizations are de-emphasizing ‘home-grown’ talent in lieu of grabbing hotshots from other teams? Many major league camps [and major colleges] use sophisticated techniques in examining player performance – always searching for computer-verifiable perfection. On the other end of the spectrum are those coaches and managers that evaluate players - to large extent - based upon their physical appearance.

Appearances can be deceiving and stats may be of some help, but they need to be augmented by a searching analysis of one’s character. John Smoltz [Atlanta Braves pitcher] mentions that, “Some managers see a player with all the tools and go wild, but the tools will be misused if the character isn’t there . . . instead of doing research at ground level to find out what’s in the hearts of players – they hand out huge multi-year contracts without knowing enough about the players and the families to determine whether a player given all that money and security is going to get lazy.”

It is important check the heart – to see whether a player loves what they are doing enough to put in all the required hard work. Perhaps, the most useful stats are those that show how a player performs in clutch situations. Don’t you want a ‘gamer’ -someone that is willing to lay it all on the line in pressure situations? Many individuals may perform well in relaxed situations - - and choke when you really need them. Consistency and patience are necessary in contributing to ultimate victory.

The Apostle Paul certainly understood what it meant to have a ‘gamer’s heart’. To excel we must display self-control. We cannot be aimless in our focus. Instead we must direct our total effort on becoming more Christ-like. Our relationship with Him produces a renewing of our character as God develops in us the qualities essential for true success. The wisdom we gain from His ‘Game Plan’ [The Bible], along with the guidance of others, helps us grow in commitment, competence, and character. This is how we can have a ‘gamer’s heart’.

“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win! All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that is gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else about it and then missing out myself.”
1st Corinthians 9:24-27 [The Message]

Dear Lord, Just as the athlete must successfully work through trials and tribulations - - help us see that it is through the tough times that we improve. May we develop our character and use it for Your glory. Amen.