T r a d i t i o n s

Mark 7:9

Every sport has a set of traditions or practices that are a part of its culture and history.  Do any of those things ever violate your conscience or cause you to wonder if you should be involved in them?  Jesus had some tough things to say to people in His day about similar things.

Let’s listen as He confronts some people about foolish traditions in Mark chapter 7 and verse 9, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!”  Jesus took these people on as they rationalized their way around the simple commands of God in order to make themselves look good for other people.

If we think everyone else cheats in recruiting, does that make it alright for us to do so?  If your sport has a tradition of violently hazing young players, does that make it a good idea?  From whom shall we take our cues for ethics within the world of sport?  These are all tough questions that we need to consider.

Jesus points straight to the most enduring source of truth in regards to ethical standards.  It’s the Word of God.  The Bible speaks straight to us in relation to all of life, even competition and the ethics we need to compete with fairness and justice.

In today’s competition, compete strongly and fairly.  Compete with great passion and within the rules of the sport.  Compete in a way that honors your teammates, your coaches, your family and even honors God.

Bible Reading Plan:

Psalms 76

Joshua 13-14