Responsibility

There are great responsibilities that go along with the great privileges of being a champion. NASCAR driver Kurt Busch had a less-than-stellar image prior to winning the series championship in 2004--something he had worked hard to repair in the early part of the 2005 season. However, heading into the Nextel Cup All-Star Challenge, after a couple of relapses by Busch, NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said, "Kurt has a responsibility to the sport and must conduct himself like a champion."

As the king of Israel, David had a responsibility to conduct himself in a manner that brought honor to the Lord God, who put him on the throne. But in the cases of lust and discontent that led him into adultery with Bathsheba, not only did David disrespect the Lord, but his actions also led others to scorn God as well. People knew that it was God who helped David defeat Goliath and win battle after battle, and when they saw David turn against Him, it brought shame to the people of God.

Poor conduct doesn't only affect one person, it affects all those who are associated with that person. Whether it's as a Christian, a member of a team or any other group, one person's conduct impacts the image of those identified with him or her.

Today, as Christian competitors, may we conduct ourselves in a way that brings glory to God.