Richard Sherman, St. Paul and Us

In the current issue of Sports Illustrated, Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks addresses some controversial issues.

He has a lot to say.

Among my favorite lines is his observation about the public’s reaction to comments players make about current events and various situations outside of football: “They want to hear us speak, but only if we’re saying something they want to hear.”  Painfully accurate statement.

You’re not the only one, Mr. Sherman.

Long ago our old friend St. Paul wrote to his young friend St. Tim, advising him and us — and yes, “us” meaning not just Sunday School teachers and Bible Study leaders and pastors but including all who follow Christ and live and share that faith —

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season;

reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but wanting to have their ears tickled,

they will accumulate for themselves

teachers in accordance to their own desires,

and will turn away their ears

from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

(2nd Timothy 4:2-4)

Been there.  Done that.  Haven’t wanted to hear what I desperately needed to be told.  You, too?

Today, let’s dare to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), even if it’s not well received.

Richard Sherman and St. Paul are both right; may we be as well.