A FALL FROM GRACE

Tiger Woods. A fall from grace. Perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, we had him in a place where his level of perfection on the golf course and off was unparalleled. We had placed Tiger in a virtual pantheon of athletic gods where he could survey all from on high and could do no wrong. If there were a brief display of temper or crudeness, we looked away. So what if he didn’t embrace social causes and didn’t give back to those less fortunate? In retrospect, however, those seemingly small cracks in the public persona were indicative of a large moral decay within.

In our lifetimes how many others have we witnessed falling from grace? Choose your time frame; choose your field of endeavor: Alex Rodriguez, William Holden, Pete Rose, Woody Allen, Ingrid Bergman, Bernie Madoff, David Letterman, the Black Sox, Winona Ryder, Richard Nixon. On and on.

Like Tiger, each sought and accepted the public’s adoration. We gave it gladly. Like Tiger, each portrayed an impeccable public persona. We accepted it without question. Like Tiger, each fell from grace with a resounding thud. We enjoyed it, or we elevated ourselves above them. Personal tragedy. Public execution. We elevate them; we drag them down. In our society celebrity adoration and assassination seem a sport. It’s inexpensive and easy to play. We participate actively for a short time and then move on. Next victim.

“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning!” (Isaiah 14:12). Is Tiger worse than we? The other fallen? I think not.

As Christians we need to offer grace and forgiveness to those who hurt or disappoint us. We must recall the Lord’s mercy towards us, and remember that His mercy flows to others as well. While not necessarily easy, forgiveness of others is necessary. Offering forgiveness allows us to avoid cynicism or bitterness or anger: elements that can easily consume us and negatively affect our thinking and actions.

We must encourage those we hold in high esteem: Pastors, Spiritual Leaders, Bible Teachers, public figures. Every one of us has human frailties, and, at times, we don’t do as we should either. We are called to minister to our brothers and sisters, “So encourage each other and build each other up…” (1 Thess. 5:11).

The Holy Spirit will never fail to help us forgive. He will fill our hearts with mercy. “And when you stand praying, and you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)

We are no better than our beleagured brother. Tiger needs our forgiveness and our prayers for him to seek the Lord’s forgiveness.