Shining the Light on America

CBN.com -

Today, as we prepare to embark on another year of March Madness, we also stand at the precipice of another, much more somber event. While the zany fans, colorful pep bands, and overly energetic cheerleaders await their cue, we pause to remember that harrowing, soul searching day that terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York.

As I write this I cant help but think of all the wonderful exhibits of heartfelt patriotism in sports that transpired in the gut wrenching days that followed September 11^th. There was the cancellation of the third period of an exhibition hockey game between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers so that fans might have the opportunity to watch President Bush deliver a historic speech to Congress. Hats off to the New York Mets, who played the remainder of last season wearing the caps of the New York Fire and Police Departments. Millions and millions of dollars were donated by players and owners to the various relief funds that were established in the aftermath of this tragedy.

In more recent days, we have seen wonderful displays of ceremonial fanfare that stirred our emotions once again. The sight of the American flag that flew over the World Trade Center the morning of the terrorist attacks at both the Super Bowl and the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics, only galvanized to the world that the United States is a resilient bunch. It sent the message that we might get knocked down, beaten up, but as a nation we never give up, and more importantly we stand united.

Six months ago in this very column I asked the question, "Where do we go from here?" Do we remain focused on this surge of patriotism or do we return to a "business as usual" mindset?

Despite the stirring, star spangled fervor of the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics I would have to say the sports world has definitely returned to the daily rigors of "the business." A quick scan of sports pages in newspapers and on the web in recent days bear this out: Former figure skating diva Tonya Harding is scheduled to box former President Clinton love interest Paula Jones on national television this week, a movie glorifying foul mouthed basketball coach Bobby Knight aired last evening, San Francisco Giant slugger Barry Bonds is feuding with Chicago Cub Sammy Sosa over comments Slammin Sammy made to the press last week, Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant got into a fist fight with Indianas Reggie Miller, New Jersey Nets point guard Jason Kidd was fined for making an obscene finger gesture during a game, and the San Diego Padres and Anaheim Angels had not one, but two bench clearing brawls in one inning of a spring training game.

I am not too naïve to realize that these types of situations do happen occasionally in the heat of the moment. But what happened to the wonderful wave of patriotism and brotherhood that followed September 11^th? In our quest to return to normalcy we have seemingly fostered a return to bad sportsmanship and plain old bad taste (see Harding/Jones fight). The digression has been steady in recent weeks.

Unfortunately, sports serves as a microcosm of the country in many respects. Before this apparent relapse becomes rampant, we as Christians have a wonderful opportunity to reinforce the concept of good works for Gods glory. In

In essence, as Christians we need to illuminate the dark areas of life by shining our light of faith. To do so, means serving as a Christ-like example to those who may not adhere to the same faith-based principles as you. By shining our light to those in need, we are glorifying God. For example, you could provide a meal to a sick neighbor, give up your seat to an elderly person on a crowded subway, or simply offer to pray for an unsaved friends problem.

As the world settles back into familiar old routines that include lifestyles/behaviors that are not pleasing to God, we need to provide a sense of spiritual stability through our goodness, sincerity, kindness, and servant-like attitude.

Tell me what you think: chris.carpenter@cbn.org