“Knowing Christ is the best thing that has ever happened to me, although winning the US Open was a pretty good second.”
Eight commandment
You shall not steal Exodus 20:15James Naismith, the inventor of the game of basketball, once remarked that he was amazed that a man who would never dream of stealing another player’s wallet in the changing room, would - once he steps on to the court - happily scream "My ball" when he knows it isn't.
Which of us have never pressured the officials for a decision in our favour, when we know it should not be ours? Or ever tried to look innocent when we know we are guilty?
Certain practices which are clearly against the laws of the game, have been become accepted – like holding a player's shirt in football. The Christian should play with integrity - not conform to the standard of behaviour around them.
As Christians believing that sport is part of God’s creation, we must respect the game. We must compete fairly and within the rules. We must seek no unfair advantage. We must seek a fair competition where the better player/team wins.
If we win by going against the rules, we "not only 'steal' the game from our opponents but also 'rob' them and ourselves of the adventure which makes our playing fun" (Tom Visker).
For several years Diego Maradona was acknowledged as the greatest football player in the world. In 1986 in a World Cup quarter final he put the ball into the net with his hand - "The hand of God" goal. Over twenty years later Maradona is remembered more for his act of cheating than for his brilliance as a player. What a tragegy!