"God answers my prayers everywhere except on the golf-course."
Reputation
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders. I Timothy 3:7I Timothy 3 is about church leadership and the writer lists the qualities that are expected in someone who is to hold a position of leadership in the church – self-controlled, faithful in marriage, not a drunkard, integrity with money, mature in faith, integrity in the family. All reasonable and expected requirements.
The one that struck me as I looked for applications to sport was “a good reputation with outsiders”. What is our reputation within the world of sport? As you interact with the local sports club – as a player, coach, administrator, volunteer – how are you perceived? A holy Joe? A willing worker? A gossip? Someone who always sees the best in people?
Let us strive to walk the walk as well as talking the talk in the club. Are we self-controlled, faithful in marriage, careful not to drink to excess, above reproach with money? Our actions will speak louder than our words.
The first office I worked in had a Christian Union. The tragedy was that the person who led it had the reputation of being an exceptionally difficult person to work with. How sad!
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