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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February 8, 2011      

                          The Truth

EXODUS 20:16; DEUTERONOMY 5:20; MATTHEW 19:18; ROMANS 13:9-Thou shalt not bear false witness

Most people probably recognize this directive as one of the Ten Commandments. That would be reason enough to be quoted no less than four times in scripture. The actual first reference added that the false witness should not be against your neighbor. It literally meant to not give false testimony in court. This could have been happened by leaving something out of a story, only telling half of the truth, twisting the facts or just plain inventing a lie. It is all deception!

God’s intent was to establish a system of justice to handle the “trials” of the day. Some of the examples above folks will argue that it is not actually a falsehood and/or a lie. Particularly the situation where something is left out of the story or the person remains totally silent when a piece of information is vital. This type of “lie of omission” could quite possibly be the most common lie known to man.

The reason is that folks have actually convinced themselves that this is not a lie at all. False witness can be described and /or defined as 1) to give a false account when reporting information; or 2) giving a false impression. Both of the descriptions are rooted in deception. It does not take words to make you a false witness, but a lack of words can and will sometimes deceive. Thus the key piece is the intention of the person. We can take God’s literal commandment to not bring false evidence to court against a neighbor. If a person would just chose to not mention an important piece of evidence about the situation, then he or she would be committing a lie of omission. The deliberate silence is deceiving and is an intentional attempt to give a false impression. Liar, liar pants on fire!!

The obvious lie of commission is different because the person is knowingly stating something that they know is not true. This however is no different than the silent lie because they are both intended to create deception, mislead or misinform. Truthfulness is always so much more satisfying and peaceful. It is an expectation of God and a huge asset to character quality. The benefits of truthfulness are not only rewarding in the present but God promises a blessed long life. It most definitely clears your conscience and earns future trust from those around you when you simply report the facts accurately.

Of course, like many of the other positive character traits, the theory can be more cut and dry than the application.  To put it in other words “easier said than done.”

The first sports situation that comes to mind is one that has always been an issue. Have you ever played for a coach who built up a team or an individual that was simply horrible? They do it because of one of the age old sayings, “respect everyone, but fear no opponent.” The coach really thinks this is an important tool in motivation and preparation. Coaches for some reason in this scenario believe that his or her team is either ignorant or just plain stupid. Statements like “they play really hard and aggressive,” or “If we let them hang around they will be trouble”, are examples of things said with good intentions. The only problem is the coach’s is also creating deception, being misleading and giving a false impression. He or she intentionally left out the fact that the team has not been close in any game all year and hasn’t a snowball’s chance in the palm of Satan’s hand to win the game. Sounds like a lie to me, but not many coaches in the world would categorize this as the case. Be truthful and state the fact accurately. You will probably need your team to believe you in the future when you are really facing a worthy opponent. Players see right through the bull anyway and they will respect and trust you more in the future if you are truthful. There is no need whatsoever to be a false witness. Treat the situation like any other and report the facts accurately and TOTALLY. Don’t omit anything and increase your honesty in the eyes of your players. God and your players expect nothing less and the benefits are long lasting peace, a clear conscience and eternal blessings.

                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                        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