TIGERS, LIARS, AND TALE-BEAR-ERS, OH MY!!!
If you live anywhere, somewhat developed in this world, then you have probably heard about the troubles of Tiger Woods, the golfer who took the world by a storm with his golfing prowess. It seems as if we can't turn on the news, without hearing the continuing saga of his marital woes. Upfront, here is my opinion on this whole escapade: what Mr. Woods did was indeed wrong; it is a private matter for his family--and not the public; we are too involved in the personal matters of others; and we make it very difficult for people to heal, and to forgive.
Why is it that we thrive on the misfortunes of others--and perpetuate the problem, magnifying it many times over, simply by talking about it? We talk too much, instead of minding our own business. Tiger needs prayer, his family needs prayer, and so do others who have fallen, and been hurt, or have hurt others. Guess what? That includes ALL of us. None of us has the right to point fingers at anyone, because even if you have never done what Tiger did, you did something else--and sin is sin. Some of us, have the notion that sins of a sexual nature carry a greater penalty (even if we don't say or admit it), than others. So, we have no problem gossiping about the failures of others, or lying--either by commission or omission. If you want to blame this on the media--don't point that finger, either, because it isn't only the media (in secular society). It happens right in the Body of Christ--among us, who are called by His Name.
We are all guilty of sin--only God's grace, keeps us from being condemned to everlasting death.
Today, as I proceeded to open my my email, the headline caught my eye: "Golf in Shock as Tiger Takes Indefinite Break". I had to read it, for two reasons. I was curious about what the golf world could possibly have to offer on the subject, and I couldn't fathom what was shocking (I mean, we all sin--and adultery happens everyday; unfortunately, it's pretty commonplace--even, in our midst). As I read the article, I found myself impressed with the responses of a few, and sorely disappointed by the response of one. The article said, his announcement to take a break to try to repair his marriage "was greeted with surprise, bemusement and even relief...as golfers, fans and commentators contemplated the immediate future of a sport without its biggest draw". One golfer was seemingly pleased that this hiatus would provide "more opportunity of winning these big events now". Cruel, isn't it--but how different are we??!!!
I am always amazed at the boldness we have in saying something so inappropriate, selfish (in the sense that, some are focused on the effect it could have on them, or the game) and downright mean. I shouldn't be (amazed), but I am, still, taken aback by our uncanny ability to focus on how someone's misfortune can benefit ME. On the other hand, I was happy to read the words of golfer John Daly, who stated, he wasn't happy "with the way some...responded--that's their way of getting back because they know they can't beat him at golf". Golfer Craig Parry, a friend of Tiger Woods, said that what he did "was totally wrong...but he's the one who's got to look in the mirror". So true, and accurate. The article then went on to note that comedians, cartoonists and others are having a field day, making jokes about the situation. That's awful, but not unusual, sad to say.
I spent a lot of time here, discussing this, because it parallels what happens among us, oftentimes. It brings to mind the truth that, we have let the ways of the world contaminate us and our relationships with each other. Too often the same behaviors happen among us. We, often, are caught up in the tales of the downfall of our brothers and sisters, in the Body. Some--too many of us, even laugh at the calamity of one another--just like the cartoonists and the comedians, in the secular world are poking "fun" at Tiger Woods, or hope for their downfall, to gain opportunity for ourselves. Of course, we see sin, in the lives of others--but, it is not our right to broadcast it, make fun of, enjoy, or look for the benefit to me, because a brother has fallen. It is our responsibility to pray for them--restore them in a "spirit of gentleness considering yourself lest you also be tempted". We are often anything but gentle! What we don't consider is that when we are harsh critics, we set ourselves up for failure. That's what Galatians 6:1, says.
It is time for us to become "restorers", not critics, not judges, not talebearers or even liars/embellishers (making an already bad situation, worse!). We have to care about one another so much that when one of us sins, we are all grieved--not blaming, but helping to restore and repair the breach that sin always brings. We are ALL hurt by sin, among us; how we handle it, determines our ability to heal from it. It isn't okay to sweep it under the rug, and pretend it never occurred, but we must be "gentle" in our dealings. That's what the Word of God requires of us.
Tigers, liars and tale-bearer's--oh my! Too much of that. We have all been where Tiger is, (in sin--whatever sin). Don't be a liar or a talebearer. Bear the burdens of one another. Be a restorer. Follow the example of Christ.
Be gracious and merciful when dealing with a brother or sister who has fallen--you will need grace and mercy, too.
Love & Abundant Blessings,
Lisa
Why is it that we thrive on the misfortunes of others--and perpetuate the problem, magnifying it many times over, simply by talking about it? We talk too much, instead of minding our own business. Tiger needs prayer, his family needs prayer, and so do others who have fallen, and been hurt, or have hurt others. Guess what? That includes ALL of us. None of us has the right to point fingers at anyone, because even if you have never done what Tiger did, you did something else--and sin is sin. Some of us, have the notion that sins of a sexual nature carry a greater penalty (even if we don't say or admit it), than others. So, we have no problem gossiping about the failures of others, or lying--either by commission or omission. If you want to blame this on the media--don't point that finger, either, because it isn't only the media (in secular society). It happens right in the Body of Christ--among us, who are called by His Name.
We are all guilty of sin--only God's grace, keeps us from being condemned to everlasting death.
Today, as I proceeded to open my my email, the headline caught my eye: "Golf in Shock as Tiger Takes Indefinite Break". I had to read it, for two reasons. I was curious about what the golf world could possibly have to offer on the subject, and I couldn't fathom what was shocking (I mean, we all sin--and adultery happens everyday; unfortunately, it's pretty commonplace--even, in our midst). As I read the article, I found myself impressed with the responses of a few, and sorely disappointed by the response of one. The article said, his announcement to take a break to try to repair his marriage "was greeted with surprise, bemusement and even relief...as golfers, fans and commentators contemplated the immediate future of a sport without its biggest draw". One golfer was seemingly pleased that this hiatus would provide "more opportunity of winning these big events now". Cruel, isn't it--but how different are we??!!!
I am always amazed at the boldness we have in saying something so inappropriate, selfish (in the sense that, some are focused on the effect it could have on them, or the game) and downright mean. I shouldn't be (amazed), but I am, still, taken aback by our uncanny ability to focus on how someone's misfortune can benefit ME. On the other hand, I was happy to read the words of golfer John Daly, who stated, he wasn't happy "with the way some...responded--that's their way of getting back because they know they can't beat him at golf". Golfer Craig Parry, a friend of Tiger Woods, said that what he did "was totally wrong...but he's the one who's got to look in the mirror". So true, and accurate. The article then went on to note that comedians, cartoonists and others are having a field day, making jokes about the situation. That's awful, but not unusual, sad to say.
I spent a lot of time here, discussing this, because it parallels what happens among us, oftentimes. It brings to mind the truth that, we have let the ways of the world contaminate us and our relationships with each other. Too often the same behaviors happen among us. We, often, are caught up in the tales of the downfall of our brothers and sisters, in the Body. Some--too many of us, even laugh at the calamity of one another--just like the cartoonists and the comedians, in the secular world are poking "fun" at Tiger Woods, or hope for their downfall, to gain opportunity for ourselves. Of course, we see sin, in the lives of others--but, it is not our right to broadcast it, make fun of, enjoy, or look for the benefit to me, because a brother has fallen. It is our responsibility to pray for them--restore them in a "spirit of gentleness considering yourself lest you also be tempted". We are often anything but gentle! What we don't consider is that when we are harsh critics, we set ourselves up for failure. That's what Galatians 6:1, says.
It is time for us to become "restorers", not critics, not judges, not talebearers or even liars/embellishers (making an already bad situation, worse!). We have to care about one another so much that when one of us sins, we are all grieved--not blaming, but helping to restore and repair the breach that sin always brings. We are ALL hurt by sin, among us; how we handle it, determines our ability to heal from it. It isn't okay to sweep it under the rug, and pretend it never occurred, but we must be "gentle" in our dealings. That's what the Word of God requires of us.
Tigers, liars and tale-bearer's--oh my! Too much of that. We have all been where Tiger is, (in sin--whatever sin). Don't be a liar or a talebearer. Bear the burdens of one another. Be a restorer. Follow the example of Christ.
Be gracious and merciful when dealing with a brother or sister who has fallen--you will need grace and mercy, too.
Love & Abundant Blessings,
Lisa
Comments
Post a Comment