The Tiger Woods Scandal Is Simply Sad
Unless you don't follow sports or news, or unless you've been cut off from the world for the last 48 hours, then you've heard that Tiger Woods, the best golfer in the world, has been exposed for having an extramarital affair (and possibly more than one). What started with a relatively minor car accident has turned into a nasty media firestorm that led to Woods' partner revealing numerous illicit text messages and a very condemning voice mail yesterday.
Numerous people on radio shows, columns and blogs have expressed a variety of reactions to the scandal. Some are having fun with it, reveling in the fact that the world's most recognizable sports figure has had his name smeared. Some are outraged, expressing righteous anger and calling for Woods' sponsors to drop him. Some are even defending him, saying the media has gone too far, and are asking people to respect Tiger's privacy.
I haven't seen many people express what I felt upon hearing the news, and my reaction was the same as a lot of Christian sports fans out there. I wasn't excited. I wasn't angry. I wasn't even surprised. I was just sad.
I was sad because another man has been broken and another family destroyed. I was sad because I wasn't surprised. I haven't come to expect much from male celebrities these days. I was sad that others were having fun with a situation that is not funny in any way.
I know it has to be hard for famous athletes. They face way more temptation every day than you or I will in a month. But it's sad that so many of them fall, especially because, whether we like it or not, American kids will always view athletes as their heroes. That's why I'm so thankful for men such as Tony Dungy, Tim Tebow, Kurt Warner and others like them, who have the kind of personal caliber we will continue to spotlight in New Man.
My final reaction to the Tiger controversy was this: The guy needs prayer. He's being hounded from all angles, he's going through something that is tough enough without the entire country knowing about it, and it's entirely his fault. Let's pray that he finds the Lord, and let's pray that he gets a chance to atone for his mistakes.
posted by Editor at 3:06 PM
27 Comments:
Amen. I have made many mistakes in my life and been caught in this type of destructive behavior. I am thankful for those men who came along beside me and encouraged me and pointed me in a different, better path on which I now walk. It's about abundant life, and what Tiger has right now is not abundant, but painful and sad. I will most certainly keep him in my prayers and love him from a distance. What he needs now is prayer and love and care - he and his family are hurting enough. We, who know the generous grace of God in Christ, should be the most gracious.
I agree. I both saddens me and sickens me how much the "media" has to degrade anybody no matter how they fail.
I don't follow sports too much, but when this first broke, I was really sad - sad for Tiger, his family; while also sad for the state of our country that we have to villify so many people just to make a buck.
We don't know that it's entirely his fault. At this point we don't know the whole store; we probably never will. Let's rein in the judgment while we pray for him and his.
If we as a society didn't put our faith and worship into sports figures and other celebrities, this wouldn't be a big story. It would be another sad story for the two young, innocent children. Pray for Tiger? sure; but pray that men be strong and loving to their wives and children is much more important.
Tiger needs JESUS. Not as an escape, nor as a means to dampen the "blows", but as his SAVIOR.
We need to pray for he and his wife, and their family.
WE also need to remember that JESUS died for Tiger Woods and all of us who have sinned and fallen short of GODS' glory.
Great post. Wish there was a way to really communicate with Tiger and talk with him about the hope there really is in Jesus.
Mr. Woods is human. Those throwing stones have sins to deal with also. Mr. Woods needs Jesus just like the rest of us. Adultery is not the only way to sin. No, I do not condone his sin. But, having once been a sinner, I know what it is like to fall short. Let the church pray for Mr. Woods and his wife. This is a painful thing to go through.
I agree, we as ordinary everyday people don't realize what pressures and temptations these athletes and celebrities face every day. I also agree that he didn't necessarily bring it on all by himself. We don't know what actually happened to bring it to this sad result. We, as Christians should be praying for his repentense and salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ, instead of condemning him. He needs a lot of prayer, and friendship right now, and hopefully he will come out a better person, and his life and family restored. Please pray for the guy!
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With all being said....The media loves this stuff and realize that I must keep my eyes on HIM who saves and redeemes. I look and King David who commited adultry and murder. The bible says that Jesus is the son of David and having the SURE MERCIES of David.
I remember the story of the the woman caught in adultry and was brought before Jesus by her accusers. Jesus said "he that is without sin, cast the first stone".
This statement is so profound because Jesus did not say, he that has not commited adultry, cast the first stone.
But said "he that is WITHOUT SIN, cast the first stone".
Then He bending down writing in the dirt maybe a list of ALL our sins......hmmm
In God's eyes, sin is sin. We who drive over the speed limit, who accedently take home a pen from work, who have anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, said a little white lie, and the list goes on, etc, etc,. I guess Paul who qouted the scriptures said it perfectly,
"we all have sinned and fell short of the Glory of GOD..."
I can never skip over the "WE ALL HAVE SINNED" part. No matter how hard I try.....
Why is Newman so benign with Tiger Woods and so judgemental with a fellow brother in Christ Ted Haggar when he sinned? I just don't understand.
Tiger Woods is another sad example of the lack of morality and integrity in our society. Not one day goes by we don't see some public figure or spiritual leader falling into these traps. Where are those who need to teach and set examples for young people to follow?
Just because he is 'TIGER WOOD' he get lots of attention, any mistakes it would make a headlines internationally. Whenever he makes mistakes, you said he needs Jesus and prayer and everybody get down on their knees and pray for him.
Hello guys, what about those ORDINARY people out there, whose home are broken, divorce in process, abused children, drug addict, lost soul...etc. They too, need our prayer, love and helping hand. Is it because they are an ordinary people like you and I, they don't deserve our prayer, love and encouragement?
When an ordinary people makes mistake, it is only an ordinary mistakes and who cares..!!
When someone like TIGER WOOD makes mistake, it is an EXTRAORDINARY and the whole nation feel sad, mourn, pray and care.
I have just been reading the story about the lady who committed adultery. Jesus' reaction was not to point a finger. He asked the question, if anyone is without sin, he may cast the first stone. We all know that we have all sinned. Jesus loves the sinner but not the sin and He asks that we go and sin no more.
Very well said.
Adultry stands out as a sin that hurts one's loved ones, breaks the bond of love and trust but more critically, it is a sin against the SINNER'S OWN BODY.
When I see a beautiful woman and feel tempted, I tend to think of one or some or even all of the following in increasing order of importance: (1) my wedding vow (2) the hurt I will inflict on my wife and children (3) the Word of God (4) Imagine the scandal headlining tomorrow's dailies!
And yes, most times in that order! Everyman must realise that living an adultry-free life (any sin for that matter) is for all men and not just Christians.
When the Word of God says we should abstain from all sin, it's not bondage, it's for our own good. [Lord, let me never forget that!]
I would also like to ask that the women in this story get prayer for their lives and futures. This may be their "15 minutes" of fame but they knew who he was when they agreed to have these affairs and are like loaded guns ready to shoot other men like they did him. I doubt that he is the only one ever to succumb to their Proverbs 2:16 strange women ways. To break the cycle, the temptations needs to be dismantled also.
Let's keep in mind his wife and the emotional damage done to her. She now has some deep wounds that need Jesus to heal. The seed for that "root of bitterness that defiles many" has already been planted. We need to prayerfully nip that in the bud.
What will his kids say when they are old enough to know what happened even if their parents reconcile? What about all the kids that are now playing golf and looking to Tiger as the inspiration for their lives? This could negate years of positive input into many young lives.
Adultery is a package deal. Tiger is the most prominent person in the story right now because it looks like he has the most to lose but he is actually getting the most counselling and prayer to recover. Ask the Lord to take you deeper in this situation to see all the kids, including his, that just had their destiny assaulted because of this - future presidents, pastors, etc. and see how big a hit the devil just got and pray accordingly.
The Bible says, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. What makes anyone anyone and especially think that Tiger Woods is an exception of this!!! Lets pray for Tiger Woods and his wife that their marriage will survive this trial and that through it, they will find God and his Grace which is always sufficient in any circumstance.
Nancy
(South Africa)
To read a commentary by Wayde I. Goodall, family counselor, concerning Tiger Woods, visit http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/Tools_of_the_Trade/article_display.cfm?targetBay=d8fa2daa-0f05-4f8b-b3e8-f65bba19df5b&ModID=2&Process=DisplayArticle&RSS_RSSContentID=13151&RSS_OriginatingChannelID=1170&RSS_OriginatingRSSFeedID=3344&RSS_Source=
I believe Tiger Woods needs to repent to the lord and ask his wife to forgive him for what he has done.God forgives those who have sin,but you must repent first .I believe that Tiger Woods needs to find a TRUE RELATIONSHIP with JESUS CHRIST he is lost right now he is in the dark but he needs to be guided to the light,the only way to that light is through JESUS CHRIST.The bible says that MAN should love his wife as he does his church.The bible also says your WIFE is your first ministry.How does Tiger Woods know hes doing wrong when he has no one giving him direction and correction in his life.The only way hes gonna know is when he gives his life to jesus and is BORN AGIAN.Tiger Woodd get on your knees and pray brother and cry out to jesus .through prayer jesus makes the impossible possible brother .God bless you and your FAMILY . AMEN!
Tiger
human make a mistake and when one hears his friend's he forget his own.
" therfore He[Jesus]is able to save completly those who come to God through Him, Because he always lives to intrcede forthem." Heb. 7:25
THANK YOU FOR THE TIGER WOOD STORY.
The sad part about this story is the Medea have so much to say about Tiger and his affair.
But nothing about the woman. Why nothing about her?
She is telling about what he said and did, what about her did she engage reluctantly, was she paid? is so how much? Let the News Castor's reveal the whole truth. Then we can pray for both of them.
But this story is like the woman the was brought to Jesus accused of committing adultery.
But nothing was said about the man. In this case nothing is being said about the woman.
Shut up those reporters with the words of Jesus where art thine accusers?Expose the accuser and the story will die.
May God have mercy on them all.
I don't know who to sent this to so I am sent it to you. I am so tried of men getting caught with their pants down so to spoke. And people acting like it's nothing, he is a grown man he knew better. After all the other "men" who have gotten caught before him include: the former president. There are so many people out their that can keep this from happening before it even get off the ground. Poor little thing he did not know what he was going. He just wants he's cake and eat too. I have seen picture of him and his wife after the news broke. He doesn't want to be there, she is the one holding on to him, he make no effort to show any kind of affection toward her at all. Once this all blows he'll go right back to what he was doing. He's just sorry he got caught. You are right about one thing Jesus can help him but, only if he want it. I also read that this put you in the mind of the woman of adulteress with Jesus. Where was the " man" she was messing with. The crowd was only interested in stoning her. not, him. You know it just as easy to stop this kind of act from happening as it is to continue. I am beginning to wondering if there are any faithful men out there. thanks for reading Have a bless day.
I pray that Tiger Woods find Jesus. and I pray also that his wife will not allow people's opinion to cause her to take a decision that will have adverse effect on the children. Remember the children.
So many times, and more so recent than can remember, are young men put on op off their profession whether it be politics, sports or acting, only to fall. Most likely to sexual sin. I know and pray in my heart that Tiger always has had a far greater gift from god. And now it is time. I pray that we all see gods grace shown through Tiger. Through Christ all things are possible. As men, we should see the importance of establishing accountability groups or partners. It is hard to walk alone. That was never God's intention.
So many times, and more so recent than can remember, are young men put on op off their profession whether it be politics, sports or acting, only to fall. Most likely to sexual sin. I know and pray in my heart that Tiger always has had a far greater gift from god. And now it is time. I pray that we all see gods grace shown through Tiger. Through Christ all things are possible. As men, we should see the importance of establishing accountability groups or partners. It is hard to walk alone. That was never God's intention.
I find that so many men still justify, excuse, or downplay adultry as if it somehow equals a little white lies. There are some sins that are greater and the consequences suffered are much more complicated than others. It bothers me how some brothers cover for each other in sin. Accountability to God, your wife, and family should be expected in the process of healing along side of the pain created from the sin.
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