Sportsmanship in general is defined as: the conduct and attitude of participants in sports, especially when considered commendable as in fair play, courtesy and grace in losing. This is certainly no easy task, especially in the thick of an intense competition.
I have to admit some of my children have inherited this fierce competitor trait from me. This intense fire in the heat of the battle, but how do I convey to them what being a Good Sport looks like even in the thick of the fight? To teach them and model (something I can work on, too):
* How to be respectful to officials
* To lose graciously
* To not engage in fighting behavior with words or actions
* To be humble in the victory
* To not make excuses
* To extend forgiveness to themselves and others
* To do and give more than is expected
* To not rejoice when someone else fails
We've been talking a lot lately about how God gives us these talents and it is our job to praise him in our play. Praise him in both our words and actions and, with God's, help do more than we ever thought we were capable of achieving.
The wise are mightier than the strong
and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. (the athlete who has wisdom-who assesses the situation and plans strategies-has an advantage over a physically stronger unwise opponent. We exercise regularly and eat well to build our strength, but do we take equal pains to develop wisdom and knowledge? Because wisdom is a vital part of strength, it pays to attain it.)
So don't go to war without wise guidance;
victory depends on having many advisers. Proverbs 24:5-6
If you fail under pressure,
your strength is too small. Proverbs 24:10
Times of trouble can be useful. They can show you who you really are-what kind of character you have developed. They can help you grow stronger. Don't complain about your problems.. The trouble you face today is training you to be strong for the more difficult situations you will face in the future.
Don't excuse yourself by saying by saying, "Look, we didn't know."
For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
He will repay all people as their actions deserve. Proverbs 24:12
To gloat over other's misfortune is to make yourself the avenger and to put yourself in the place of God, who alone is the real Judge of all the earth.
Don't rejoice when your enemies fall;
don't be happy when they stumble.
For the Lord will be displeased with you
and will turn his anger away from them. Proverbs 24:17-18
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