A few months ago a well-known athlete had a car accident. He had been out that night, under the influence, and lost control, causing him to wreck his car. That well-known athlete has set all kinds of records and has gained the attention and fan base of thousands, maybe millions. His name, Tiger Woods. He has wowed people since he stepped into the spotlight, including me. He's come back from final-round deficits to make people's jaws drop. He's overcome injuries. He was sponsored by a lot of major companies. However, after the night of his crash it was more than his car that crashed. His past came out and his infidelity quickly rose to the surface. His life has come crashing down. He may have his talent, but because of his choices, he will have a heavy load to carry around. This heavy load is something that he brought on himself. Maybe you, too, have brought about something like this in your life. Have you "crashed" in life? Made choices you regretted? Most all of us have and the best thing is that there's hope.
Then, there is a guy that is known by the number "70", not because of his jersey, but because of the feat that he accomplished. Others may call him "Mac". He was very well-known in Oakland and St. Louis. He was one that I enjoyed imitating when I stepped up to the plate. He was able to crush the baseball. He had huge forearms and a seemingly effortless swing. He is Mark McGwire. He came on the scene when he played for the Oakland A's. He brought life into those green and yellow uniforms. He, along with Jose Conseco and Ricky Henderson, made that era of the A's a force to be reckoned with. Later, he went to the St. Louis Cardinals. A few years ago, he was brought before people to be questioned on use of steroids. "No" was his answer, under oath. Trying to escape trouble. Now, he admits to using the drugs. He says that using them was a "mistake". He says that hitting the home runs were no reflection of the steroids. That argument I understand because steroids will not cause someone to connect with the ball better. However, he made the choice to put the drugs into his body. He was educated, sometime in his life, as to the effects that would be as a result of the use of steroids. Also, Major League Baseball does not allow the use of sports enhancing drugs, such as steroids, to be used. Drugs are often used to "escape reality". The escape is brief, to say the least. Steroids must be continually used to make sure they have the same affect. Were the pressures of major league baseball too high for Mr. McGwire? Did the people expect more than what they saw?
These two men are not alone in their mistakes, they are just recent. I could have used men in a different profession or women of various professions. These men are human, not "just" human, as to water down their offense. Humans make mistakes. You also are not alone in the mistakes you've made. However, that doesn't excuse your mistakes, just like it doesn't excuse their mistakes. We all fail, but we're not failures.
There is one role model and hero that made no mistakes. He was in the spotlight. He was tempted. He was under constant pressure. He made it out clean. You probably know Him. His name is Jesus. It may seem obvious to conclude by talking about Him, but some may not realize how He stood the tests without giving in. When I'm looking for a good role model, I want someone who I can know will not make a mistake. I want someone my kids can look to for an example. Whether we've failed, stumbled, or given up, there's always someone left to emulate, that's Him. He's the example for resisting pressure (Hebrews 4:15) and for giving up your life for others (John 15:13).
Though I'm guilty of messing up in life, He's not. May we see the reality of looking to Jesus for everyday life, not just on "church" days.
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