Hypocrites in sports have been around for a long time. Recently, former major leaguer and manager Pete Rose reapplied for reinstatement to baseball. He was suspended years ago by the commissioner of baseball for gambling.

Coaches and athletes are not perfect. I doubt that’s a revelation to you. Both make mistakes, and often those mistakes draw more negative attention than they should. Coaches and athletes always make things worse when their beliefs don’t align with their actions.

Galatians 2 – Walk Worthy

When Paul observed the inconsistency between Peter’s faith and his practice in Galatians 2, he pointed out the apparent contradiction.

Peter lived like the Gentiles, observing their customs, speaking their language, and eating their foods, but his beliefs were not consistent with his actions. To have fellowship with the Jerusalem visitors, the Gentiles would need to live like Jews. It became evident to everyone that Peter was a hypocrite.

Most would agree that hypocrisy is not something we should model for others. Yet it is pretty easy to slide into it. One recommendation for avoiding hypocrisy is to have an accountability partner or small group to help you detect and destroy it in your life.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete see themselves as ambassadors for Christ (1 Cor. 5:20) and model their lives after Jesus, in both attitude and action. They remind themselves that any hypocrisy might cause unbelievers to reject the message because the messenger lives an inconsistent life.

Bible Memory Verse – “And He has said to me [Paul], ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Avoiding Hypocrisy

Our featured book this week is Next Step – An Athlete’s Journey (5 essentials for growth in spirit, body & mind), written by Todd Johnson.

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