What, if any, kind of wisdom can be gained from participating in or being a fan of a sports team. Are sports really the toy department of the daily news cycle with no real value-added for the experience of viewing or participating? Why do we even watch sports? Is it for the diversion? A male version of the soap opera or reality show?
I'm hopeful there is at times, a somewhat larger purpose. The famous political columnist George Will, author of "Men at Work" --one of the best books about the game of baseball ever written--say that "Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence".
Like the movies and the theater they may, at their worst, only provide diversion but at their best they have much wisdom to offer if we are willing to watch and listen with discernment. We see real life examples of values like character and discipline serve our favorite athletes, coaches and teams. They allow them to rise to the highest levels of their game. Rare is the team or athlete who succeeds without these two values residing at their core.
John Wooden used to say about discipline, "Discipline yourself and others won't need to". What parent or child would not benefit from having that simple philosophy at the core of their beliefs?
Regarding character, Wooden would say, "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are".
These examples of solid wisdom--rooted in successful life experience--provide a template for us to follow, whether we want to lead a successful company, sports team or family.
WISDOM - But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. - James 3:17
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