Christians on the Soccer Pitch

The soccer pitch. The soccer game. A game of beauty, a game of teamwork, a game of absolute ecstasy at times. Yet, soccer too is a game of monstrosity, brutality, even barbaric at times. Heightened emotions. Yes, people rear their ugly head on the field at times. Conflict ensues on the soccer pitch. An innocent game of 11 on 11 and one black and white ball turns ugly.

I'm sure we've seen it all on TV before. All those controversial decisions leading up to unnecessary brawls and arguments. Profanities, insults, punches, kicks and more recently, headbutts, we've seen it all. It's become part and parcel of the soccer experience, some people even live to watch such conflicts and get a kick out of them. However, we don't have to look that far to see such conflict. It happens right here, in ACS(I), every P.E, every recess, it happens.

It happened today. People got tackled. People got pissed. People started to hurl insults. I'm (hopefully) not referring to anyone in particular, there have been countless of incidents on the pitch that have resulted in unhappiness:

1) Unfair tackles/Fouls: Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it's just an accident. Cool it and relax. Physics talks about momentum and sometimes it's hard to stop before crashing :P. Sometimes it's intentional. Those are the most testing times.

2) Unfair (a.k.a 'Imba') Team selections: I've seen people get pissed over this before. It's a small issue, it's unfair, so play on then. For the fun of it. Soccer is after all, just for fun.

3) Losing: Obviously a disappointment. No need to cuss, no need to spit on the other team for beating you. No need for a spat. Have the humility to admit that there are definitely better players out there, and that we are not the best. In fact, give a hand to the opponent and be a sport. Soccer is all about sportsmanship.

4) Winning: People boast, say ridiculous things sometimes when they win. We've had experiences when we've been termed GEPs...or worse because of losing. It's totally unnecessary. Stop it with all the childishness on the field. So you're better, they stay humble. Pride (or Bcart) comes before a fall.

Now this post is titled 'Christians on the Soccer Pitch'. It's just an appeal to all those out there who truly believe in our Father in heaven and His great love for us, to consider if we have done such things before on the pitch. Sometimes it's just a spur of the moment, and we do something that we find regrettable later on. Sometimes it's the urge to get angry at someone, or execute revenge. Let's remember that golden rule of forgiveness and loving even our enemies. The best testimony any Christian can give is after all through deed and not merely through speech and thought. Actions speak louder than words.

Keeping the peace on the field should be a responsibility of every Christian. Blessed are the peacekeepers. If we have done wrong, let's humble ourselves and apologize. If we are wronged against, let's have a heart of forgiveness. If we lose, let's not be sore losers. If we win, let's cheer the other team on. These are simple Christian values, and we ought to stick fast to them.

Admittingly, it's tough on the pitch, emotions soar high, we tend to get fussy over petty issues, angry over trivial things. But let's draw strength and discipline from our Father in heaven. and be a great testimony for Him. even on the soccer field. :D