I’ve been fascinated by the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal and specifically the comments and responses from everyone. It seems like every day someone else weighs in and gives their opinion.
The story resonates with so many people because of the different elements that ignite strong feelings and conversations: justice, discipline, cheating, integrity, snitching, forgiveness, retribution, and brotherhood.
Some players are defending one another, others are calling for drastic punishments, many are ready to move on, and countless people are speaking out against the severity of what the Astros did.
One aspect that especially stands out to me is the pervasiveness of judgment-filled responses. There's an agreement that what the Astros did was wrong and everyone seems comfortable to point that out.
Players on other teams are embracing the microphone with their declarations that the Astros were wrong and they disapprove of the cheating.
Although most of us sports fans would echo a similar sentiment, I can’t help but take a step back from all the judging and wonder about the players pointing the fingers.
Is the rest of the league perfect or have they just not gotten caught? How many of them have their own skeletons in their closets like stealing signs...or using a PED...or cheating on their wives?
This is a really tough situation for Major League Baseball and what the Astros did was wrong, but we all have to be careful with our approach to judging. This is a topic that gets thrown around a lot, so I think it’s important we consider what the Bible says about it.
First off, there is a brotherhood among baseball players and they are responsible to hold each other accountable and point each other toward integrity. Likewise, as followers of Jesus, we have a similar role to other believers.
Galatians 6:1 (AMP) explains, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness , keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.”
An element of judging is required, but we must have the proper approach and perspective. We have to acknowledge the sin, yet be motivated by love and grace, instead of a “gotcha” kind of attitude.
Having a desire to restore someone instead of just “throwing them out” is very important. But, while we can recognize sin in others as long as we have the right motivation, we also need to evaluate our own hearts and lives first.
Matthew 7:1-2 (AMP) gives us this warning: “Do not judge and criticize and condemn , so that you will not be judged .
"For just as you judge others , so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure , judgment will be measured to you.”
We can easily pile on the Astros, but we must view the bigger picture. I think Angels' third baseman, Anthony Rendon, sums it up well: "None of us are perfect people. We've all made mistakes, we've all fallen short."
The statement is simple and true and doesn’t need to be used as a cop-out. However, it does remind us of our own need for God’s grace and mercy through Jesus and it's that same grace and mercy we show to others.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please remove my arrogance and self-righteous attitudes as I view the mistakes of others. I pray I’d address my own sin while also helping to restore others. I pray I’d be filled with grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What aspect of judging do you struggle with the most?
Why is it so important to judge sin through the lens of grace and mercy?
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