“Does one, in all his or her perceived “liberty,” act/behave with no regard for another person? Does one watch passively in one’s liberty as another person gets leveraged by drink, substance, or circumstance, sometimes to the point of physical vulnerability?”
– Dr. M.
If we are veterans in the faith-race and we “fly-the-flag-of-faith,” then no doubt we have heard of the 6-8-10 principle – guiding principles emerging from our text (the Word) that requires challenging self-reflection and other-person orientation.
Student-athletes who “fly-the-flag-of-faith” are challenged daily to examine their thinking and feelings regarding themselves and others in their spheres of influence. Those in the “game” may ask how their actions, based upon some decision, impact them and those around them. They might conclude they are only thinking of themselves. In the end, they might be challenged to not do something for the sake of another person, even if they think they have 10 “good” reasons to do that something? Or they might just proceed with less care.
Diving deep into the context of 1 Corinthians is something we can do. We can place the following principles in their proper biblical context and by extension apply them to our lives. Feel free to deep dive on this text.
Now, I borrow from a writer who sets the stage for decision making. The writer states that “the first step to making a decision is to pray: ‘God lead me and guide me. Purify my motives – get rid of any selfishness or unrighteousness within me. I want to serve you in anything and everything, putting you first! Help me open my heart and mind to the best way to think about this situation, even if it’s new to me.’ Try to wait and listen to God’s voice throughout this process.”
Waiting and listening suggests that there is meaning and wisdom to discover. Not easy for us all. Student-athletes, if they have not already developed this discipline, will typically struggle with the discipline. But the discipline can be learned and developed IF they care about themselves and others.
Sure, what follows is equal opportunity. No “flag-flyer-of-faith” is exempt, but in this context, I challenge the student-athlete.
Ponder Questions:
Does one maintain personal integrity (honesty, trustworthiness, timeliness) in one’s dealings with oneself, the coach, teammates, professors, love interest, and the dude at Walmart?
Does one, in all his or her perceived “liberty,” act/behave with no regard for another person? Does one watch passively in one’s liberty as another person gets leveraged by drink, substance, or circumstance, sometimes to the point of physical vulnerability?
Where does one’s freedom begin and end when considering one’s own soul and the soul of another student-athlete or anyone for that matter?
So here are the familiar principles and questions emerging from 1 Corinthians. So go ahead, think (mind), feel (heart) and will (choice). Hmmm…suspect It will cost us to be disciplined in this area, but I am game for running towards it. You? – Dr. M.
ASK:
1. Is it good for me?
- I Cor. 6:12a “Everything is permissible for me”– but not everything is beneficial.”
2. Can it control me?
- I Cor. 6:12b “Everything is permissible for me– but I will not be mastered by anything.”
- Is it habit-forming?
What could the ripple effect of this choice be in my own life? What are the consequences of this choice? Is it beneficial?
3. Does it encourage someone to do something he thinks is wrong? Is it a stumbling block?
- I Cor. 8:12 “When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.”
Will my actions cause someone else to stumble? What would be the ripple effect of this decision on those around me?
4. Does it glorify God?
- I Cor. 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
What is my motive for what I do?