Charles Barkley once said, “I don’t believe professional athletes should be role models. Parents should be role models…” Barkley was known at the time for questionable behavior. That was his response to questions about what children would think of his behavior.
The problem with Barkley’s statement is as true as that is, it isn’t reality. Parents should be role models. But we also realize that children (especially those in a home that enjoys sports) are going to look up to athletes. My son, Peyton, is named after an athlete. We watch sports together. He plays football, basketball, and baseball. He is naturally going to look at athletes on TV and try to imitate them.
I am glad that there are some athletes out there that I can encourage my son to look up to. What I am abou
t to say hurts me deeply as a University of Tennessee fan, but I have to say I am glad there is a Tim Tebow. I know that I don’t agree with everything that Tebow believes, specifically his understanding of salvation, but I do appreciate his faith. As we watched the National Championship game with my family my son noticed the eye black Tebow was wearing had “John 3:16” written on it. I have also seen Tebow with the scripture “Phil. 4:13” written in the same way. It made an impression on my son. I can envision my son on the field next year with scripture written on his eye black. Finally, an athlete that is an example.
There are a few other guys that I do agree with that my son can look up to. Currently I am watching Scottie Reynolds, junior point guard at Villanova, play on ESPN. Scottie is a Christian who has even gained recognition as a high school player who would miss the first half of games to attend Wednesday evening bible study. His college coach has permitted him to miss some Sunday morning shoot-arounds in order to attend the morning assembly. Scottie’s example is one we’ve shared with our son often.
Two NFL players are also faithful Christians. Landon Johnson, a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers, plays this weekend in the playoffs. He played his college football at Purdue University and was a leading tackler for many years with the Bengals before going to the Panthers. Seth McKinney plays center for the Cleveland Browns and in the off-season is active teaching high school students at his home congregation. Both of these players have a good career but also serve God. They are an example to my child.
I know there are many other professional athletes who have served God. Lindy McDaniel pitched in the Major Leagues for over twenty years and served God faithfully. He even converted some of his teammates. I know there are others as well.
The point is that we can hold some athletes up to our children and say, “Look at that guy. He does it the right way.” I am thankful for the examples of athletes who don’t just thank God when they win but also live their life in a way that shows they truly serve Him every day.
1 Comment
January 11, 2009 at 2:56 am
I know admitting that pained you Terry.
Very encouraging and well-put article!
Watching and attendingh sporting events has given me valuable time with my boys – to discuss, not only the games, but also real human behavior to emulate and avoid.
Keep up yuor good work.
BTW – go ‘Cats – beat the Vols on Tuesday!!!