- photo by Susan PageYears ago, I wrote a devotional entitled Tennis Foul. In it, I shared how I love the game of tennis, both playing and watching. My son-in-law likes to tease me because he thinks watching a ball hit back and forth for hours on end is boring. Yet, he’s a Nascar nut… go figure!

In my last devotional on this subject, I shared how disappointed I was to see an episode of unsportsmanlike conduct by a player on the women’s circuit. Viewing this display gave me pause to think of my unforced errors in the game of life, so to speak.

Fast-forward to another year of the U.S. Open Tennis Women’s final. Again, I was saddened to see offensive behaviour displayed by the same tennis “idol.” Unfortunately, this conduct was excused by the individual in question. She defended her actions, saying she had been treated unfairly, and she would continue to fight for women’s rights.

In my humble opinion, there is nothing that aligns unsportsmanlike conduct with the rights of women. Does a woman have the right to lose her temper and show her frustration by smashing a racket when a game is not going her way? Do women have the right to be ungracious and shout in the face of authority while waving a finger in someone’s face? Does a woman have the right to be tactless, aggressive, abusive and offensive? I believe God has called us all to a higher standard.

In keeping with the topic of tennis, let’s serve up some Scripture, which is always to our advantage.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3,4). The Apostle Paul goes on to say that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but rather, He came to serve in humility. Another verse that speaks to how we should conduct ourselves is found in the writings of Paul as he addresses the church in Colosse. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). Later, in this same letter, Paul says: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). It’s also interesting that as Peter addresses women, he uses a beautiful expression to depict godly character … “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4).

Interestingly, in a post-game interview, the tennis star was asked how she would explain her outburst to her toddler. She said she would tell her daughter that she stood by her actions. My question would be, at what cost? I also wonder what this new mom will do when her toddler doesn’t like the rules and decides to act out. Could a forced time-out be necessary?

It was disheartening that the new champion’s victory was overshadowed by the controversy of her opponent’s outburst. Often, in today’s world, those who are at fault receive the most attention. That is the reality that pervades our society. However, I was most impressed with the young woman who won the title. Confused and teary, she stayed humble and gracious. She played brilliantly and kept her composure despite the circumstances.

While we all have been known to have a double fault from time to time, I hope and pray we learn from past errors and with God’s grace extend love … even to the one who may have crossed the line.

“Courage is grace under pressure.” Ernest Hemmingway

Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.