DEVELOPING CHARACTER

PROMISES TO KEEP

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – ROMANS 5:3-4

How do we develop character?

I believe most of a person’s character is developed as a child. It’s the result of values learned from family and other significant people early in life— which is what makes our role as parents and the role of those who coach kids so important.

We also develop character by going through adversity. Coaches sometimes talk about a losing year being a “character-building season.”

There’s truth to that as I’ve seen from experience. That strength of character so crucial to the 1970 Cowboys who rallied from almost certain failure to go on to the Super Bowl was forged through those difficult years when we couldn’t win the big one.

Yet the truth remains, most of our character is established early in life. Adversity can help build it. Coaches can help mold it. But in our adult years, the only thing I’ve seen that can radically change a person’s basic character is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Just what does that mean?

I think there’s a lot of confusion in the world today about what it means to be a Christian. Unfortunately, a lot of well-meaning Christian athletes contribute to that confusion.

Since the time I committed my own life to God, I’ve tried to be very open about that fact…It’s the most important thing in my life. And I think it’s important for Christians to speak out and explain what they believe.

But I have to admit that I’m troubled a little and have very mixed reactions when I see a football player kneel down in the end zone and thank God after a touchdown. I have the same feeling of misgiving when I hear from winning locker rooms the excited testimonies of happy players who say, “I just want to thank the Lord because without him this victory wouldn’t have been possible!”

Don’t get me wrong, I think an athlete should feel gratitude for his God-given abilities.

I think we all ought to regularly give thanks to our Creator for our blessings, our opportunities, for life itself. But I’m afraid these little “God helped me score a touchdown” and “God help me be a winner” testimonials mislead people and belittle God.

I don’t believe God plays favorites like that. Neither do I believe God cares who wins a football game, despite the old joke in Dallas that the reason Texas Stadium was designed with a hole in the roof was so God could watch his favorite team play every Sunday afternoon.

While I don’t believe God helps Christian athletes run faster, jump higher, or hit harder, I do believe a personal faith in Christ can be a very real advantage in life — as a football player, a surgeon, a business executive, a teacher, a student, or even a parent. Because personal faith in God can change and improve anyone’s character.