Two stories from the sports world with the same lesson. See what you think.

The first comes from the US Men’s National Soccer Team, competing in the Copa America a couple of weeks ago. Tim Weah hit a Panama player with his fist in the back of the head off the ball. Here’s the video and a fuzzy photo.

He was not only ejected from that game, forcing his team to play a man short, he was suspended for the next two games, resulting in the US being eliminated from the tournament.

What I find incredible is this statement, typical of this kind of story:

I think I’m getting painted to be like a violent person which I’m not. – Timothy Weah, after deliberately striking an opponent with his fist.

Not a violent person? Yes you are. We have it on video!

Then just a couple of days ago, a pitcher with the Chicago Cubs, frustrated over a bad outing, punched the wall of the dugout and broke his hand. He’ll be out for six weeks.

Again, the same statement, this time from the manager:

It’s not who he is, but it’s a mistake that he made. – Cubs Manager Craig Counsell

I appreciate the manager’s attempt to support his player, but I’m not sure that what he said was true.

Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. (Matthew 12.33, ESV)

The good news for believers is that even if we are violent or given to violent outbursts, there is hope.

…be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12.2, ESV)

…to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4.22 – 24, ESV)

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit… (Titus 3.3 – 5, ESV)