Shaming of theTrue 

A fresh and unique blending of two traditionally disconnected topics---spirituality and sports. Follow Sly Young as he attempts to accomplish the feat of playing professionally in the three major sports using positive character traits taught through scripture.

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                                                Being A Good Teammate

1 PETER 4:9 — Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
 

Back when there were many western theme movies and television shows (cowboys), it was a saying that use to always seem to pop up. It didn’t matter if it was in a one horse town or a huge ranch like the Ponderosa (some of you know nothing about the Cartwrights). Some gun slinger or cattle rustler would almost always say, “That was mighty hospitable of you”, with a country twang, to different folks in every town. Hospitable is the root word for hospitality and actually carries a broader meaning than was implied at the time. It meant to cheerfully share food, shelter and/or conversation with someone, usually a stranger. Hospitable does mean just that but in reality carries a couple of supplemental meanings. For one, the guests don’t have to be strangers, (some people actually treat strangers better than they do familiar folks), and two it means to also install and maintain a generous and cordial environment. According to the scripture, hospitality should be extended one to another. It must not be a trait only exhibited by a select group of people who like to entertain in their home.

We all know of that person or couple that seems to always open their home to any and everybody. They host the traditional family get-togethers or are the ones who always say, at the end of the evening, “Everyone can come to my (our) house, the night is still young”. This is certainly hospitality but is only a limited component. It not only includes opening one’s home, sharing refreshments and/or conversation, but so much more. It is a feeling or spirit that exudes from some people to enhance the total environment. No complaining, bitterness or need of provocation influences their ability to readily make a pleasurable atmosphere. Other scriptures include hospitality on the same level as other character traits such as; generosity (Rom. 12:13), virtue, loyalty, wisdom, discretion and imparting these things to others (a good teacher) (1Tim. 3:2) and finally benevolent, humble and fair (Titus 1:7, 8). 

Clearly God believes that hospitality is essential to more than a select group, the leaders of the church. This penchant for serving others is a directive to all folks. Servers must first recognize the needs of one another. Then we must help meet the practical needs that we are able to assist. As we generously and cordially initiate and sustain a pleasurable environment, we readily invest our time and energy to their success. That is the essence of this scripture. One to another means all of us. Promptly and lovingly are the key words as we address each others needs, not grudgingly. It must be similar to the approach of satisfying the needs of an infant as caregivers. Newborns only cry for basic needs such as hunger, comfort, love (attention) and sleep. Some families complain about the noise and teach its members that to take care of all a crying infants needs leads to spoiling the baby. How can you not be hospitable to a crying infant? The difference is in the two terms wants and needs. Certainly a newborn has not mastered the skill of manipulation, and is only expressing that they have a need, the only way they know how—crying. Hospitality should be given without trying to figure out if someone is taking advantage (the homeless beggar comes to mind also).

Creating an environment of being hospitable is a great attribute for all individuals. This is the reason that it is vital in a sports context. It goes directly to the point of one to another. A squad with hospitality as a trait will be a close knit group. Cheerfully sharing and being readily receptive helps new and younger players acclimate to an existing group. Surely the most common perception of hospitality, a hearty welcome and certainly food, will be graciously accepted. The largest benefit though is the exchange of a hospitable spirit that flows one to another and creates an increasingly pleasurable chemistry amongst all the members. Remember the Cartwrights and our heavenly Father and strive to be “mighty hospitable”.

                                                                                                                       Fred Tudor

Fred Tudor is a twenty-two year employee of the Cincinnati Public Schools as a Health and Physical Education teacher. He has been coaching at the high school level in Greater Cincinnati since graduating from Wittenberg University in 1979. His coaching stints includes stops at his alma mater Walnut Hills High School, Hughes Center High School, and from 1990 until present coaches at Wyoming High School. His church home is Cincinnati Bibleway Church in Madisonville, Apostles James and Grace Blue Pastors. Contact Information: 513.328.2767 E-Mail: Info@CincySportsWorld.com