PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

April 3, 2022

RESPECT

The full force of March Madness is upon us with all of its ebbs and flows, twists and turns.  A touching moment this year took place at the end of the Michigan/Tennessee game.  When the Michigan coach, Juwan Howard, met Tennessee freshman guard, Kennedy Chandler, in the receiving line, he embraced him as Chandler was overwhelmed with emotions.  Chandler buried his face into Howard’s chest as Howard told him to keep up the good work and that he had played his heart out.  Kennedy had played with Howard’s son since the fourth grade.   Howard had watched Chandler grow up.

Purdue University’s last game of the season was at home against their arch rivals Indiana University.  As the Purdue coach, Matt Painter, was being interviewed, mention was made of IU to which the fans that were standing by offered disparaging remarks.  Matt was quick to reject the remarks and said that one should not fear other teams but should have respect for them. Matt did not go on to expound upon his remark.

Two of my sons played high school basketball and one now coaches a home school team.  Their participation has given me some insight into all of the hard work, sacrifice and effort that goes into getting ready to play.  I would think that almost every basketball team has players who have overcome great obstacles, who have made great strides, or who have learned great life lessons.  I would think that one of the reasons that Matt lifted up the importance of respecting one’s opponents is that he appreciated the hard work, sacrifice and effort they had put in.

Having respect for one’s opponent in a sports contest is also an application of the Golden Rule.   In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “In everything do to others as you have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” (Mat. 7:12; see also Luke 6:31)  A famous Jewish Rabbi who primarily lived in the first century B.C.E. said “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man, this is the entire law, all the rest is commentary.”  This is known as the Negative Golden Rule.  Perhaps this second version has more relevance in the heat of a game where emotions can get raw and self-control can be hard to maintain.

Many reading this article will remember Juwan Howard’s egregious behavior following his team’s loss to the University of Wisconsin.  He was fined $40,000 and suspended five games for throwing a punch at the opposing coaching staff.  Howard had let the intensity of the heated contest spill over into his contact with the opposing players and coaching staff.  When other coaches were asked about the episode, many said they were surprised that it did not happen more often.  Strong emotions are not something turned off with the turn of a switch.

In the matter of a couple of weeks, we saw two different sides of Juwan Howard.  Which is the real Howard?  I expect they both are.  However, is this not true for all of us?  On the one hand, who has not done something for which they are not proud?  On the other hand, we all have our shining moments where we soar to the heights.

All of us know the importance of the Golden Rule.  There are times when its meaning is better understood when stated in a negative fashion.  But we all know that in the heat of the moment we can allow our emotions to override and we lash out.  It can happen in an instant!  Thanks, be to God that He has offered a way that we can find reconciliation and grace.  Juwan Howard’s embrace of Kennedy Chandler could well have been such a moment.