My son decided he wanted to start playing basketball again this season. We signed him up to play for a local league called “Enter His Courts.” One of my favorite parts about “Enter His Courts” is what I like to call the “Come to Jesus Moment” that takes place before each game. The “Come to Jesus Moment” plays out in two ways. After my friend and the league director, Tim Goodpaster, sits all the players down near center court, he shares the story of Jesus with all those in attendance. He tells them how much God loves them and literally invites them to come to Jesus. When he’s finished, he turns his attention to the game that’s about to be played. He reminds all those in attendance that the referee is an authority figure and that as such should be shown proper respect and that disrespect will not be tolerated.
Our failure to show appropriate amounts of respect to those in positions of authority, even the officials at a basketball game, sets a poor example for those who are observing us.
While I am very appreciative of Tim’s gentle reminder before each game, it saddens me that it’s necessary, and it is necessary. Over the years, I have made efforts to support teams within my community. There have been many times when I’ve been embarrassed by the disrespectful attitudes and actions demonstrated by fans in the stands, particularly grown adults who really should know better. If I’m being completely honest, there have been times when I myself have crossed the line and disrespected officials or coaches on the court. Though it seems like a little thing, I think it matters. Our failure to show appropriate amounts of respect to those in positions of authority, even the officials at a basketball game, sets a poor example for those who are observing us. Without question, our example is sending a message.
The issue isn’t limited to the hardwood. It extends to the political forum and the ways we speak about those in civic and political positions. We are all too quick to share our disdain and disrespect for presidents, senators, representatives, and other elected or appointed officials when we deem them to be unworthy. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is necessary for us to stand firm in our convictions. Even those in leadership should be held accountable for their actions and words, but it must be done with equal measures of humility, grace, and respect. How often is a perspective, a platform, or a position furthered by berating and belittling those whom we deem inadequate, ineffective, or unworthy? What purpose does our name-calling and finger pointing achieve? I would argue that such actions are counterproductive and ultimately work against us in the long-run. Again, our disrespect for those in positions of authority is sending a message, and I don’t think it’s one we want others receiving.
Perhaps the authority issues we see in emerging generations is, in part, a monster of our own making.
There’s an old saying that is often used when children begin emulating poor patterns they see in their parents. We like to tell them, “Do as I say, not as I do.” It would be great if it actually worked that way, but it usually doesn’t. Our attitudes and actions speak much more loudly than our words. And, though we may say “don’t” in private, our actions in public say “do.” The way we treat and speak about those in positions of authority provides a validation for others to do likewise. Perhaps the authority issues we see in emerging generations is, in part, a monster of our own making. If we as parents, teachers, pastors, community leaders, and respected adults disrespect those who have been given authority in those arenas, we ought not be surprised when they fail to respect us in ours. They are following the example we set.
It may be helpful for us to have a “Come to Jesus” meeting in our own hearts. We should live the encouragement of I Peter 2:17 and show proper respect to everyone, loving others, fearing God, and honoring those in authority. A little respect could go a long way, whether respect for authorities, or people in general. May the attitudes and actions we demonstrate be the ones we want others to replicate.
