Three bench-clearing brawls occurred during the Yankees-Tigers game in 2017, with players exchanging punches, resulting in 8 ejections, seven fines, and five suspensions. It all began when Miguel Cabrera became angry and lashed out. 

Cabrera, who sparked the bench-clearing brawl after being shoved and then throwing the first punch at Yankees catcher Austin Romine, said, “You don’t want to see that. You don’t want to see people hit in the head. You don’t want to see fighting on the field. But people have to understand we’re human. Sometimes, in the heat of the game, when people throw at you at 97, right at your wrist, you react.” 

Titus 2 – Restrained Reactions

Baseball players, like us, need the instruction Paul gave Titus in the second chapter on godliness, self-control, reverence, and commitment to the gospel. Believers are to behave as Paul described because God’s grace has been made known to them. This is what transforms us from worldly, selfish people to those who pursue godliness.

Sensible or sober-mindedness is the quality Paul wanted for all Cretans, probably because they consistently lacked this mark of maturity. Sensible means “moderate,” “prudent,” “modest,” “restrained,” and “disciplined.” It’s the only term the apostle applied to both genders and all age groups.

We are being watched. It might not be a crowd of 80,000 fans, but people watch athletes. They see coaches and athletes as role models. This includes how we speak with officials, teammates, and fans. Our words and actions have an impact, so we need to be restrained and disciplined.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete strive to be clearheaded and self-controlled to curb their desires and impulses. They understand that it’s not just a matter of living by specific rules, but that grace teaches them to live a life dependent on God, resulting in honoring Him.

Bible Memory Verse – “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.” Titus 1:15 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Uncommon Sense

Our featured book this week is Proverbs (The Discerning Athlete) by Ryan Limbaugh. This is a 10-week Bible study for athletes who want to live and lead with God’s wisdom.

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