"Winning Takes Care Of Everything"

A case could be made that Tiger Woods has been the greatest golfer of his generation and one of the best of all time.  But if you have followed his career, you also know that he is also well-known for his arrogance and rudeness.  Those character flaws contributed to a 2009 sex scandal that destroyed his marriage and nearly destroyed his career.  After some time off from the game, Tiger has worked to resurrect his golf game and rebuild his image.  Recently, he has even started winning tournaments once again.  Some claim he has learned from his mistakes and is a better person because of it.  But has this Tiger really changed his stripes?  A recent ad campaign by Nike, his major sponsor, raises some doubts in my mind about any real character reformation.  In the ad, a picture of Tiger is overlaid with a quote from him that reads: “Winning Takes Care Of Everything.”  Doesn’t that seem just a bit callous and cavalier in view of the damage caused by his recent life choices?
I suppose Tiger Woods couldn’t care less about what I think.  And my ultimate purpose here isn’t to cast stones in his direction because of his character flaws.  I certainly have enough character flaws of my own that need attention.  I’m more interested in highlighting the common but dangerous philosophy that he promotes.  Sure, winning may cause some sports fans to ignore, tolerate, or forget the sins of those they idolize.  But winning certainly doesn’t repair all of the damage done by the sinner.  Some of the destruction caused by our sin can never be repaired.  Sometimes relationships are destroyed that can never be restored.  And even in those cases where the damage is repairable, it won’t happen just because we become “winners” once again.
Our sin can only be dealt with when we turn in repentance to the One who truly can take care of everything -- God.  It is only with His help that we can begin to repair the damage caused by our sins.

God loves you!

Mike