3 Feb, 2009
(
Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps admitted to "regrettable behavior" Sunday and vowed it wouldn't happen again after a British newspaper published a photograph of the swimmer smoking a marijuana pipe.
"I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way," swimmer Michael Phelps said in a statement released Sunday.
"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," the record-setting American athlete said in a statement issued Sunday.
"I'm 23 years old, and despite the successes I have had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me," Phelps said. "For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public -- it will not happen again."
In a separate statement, the U.S. Olympic Committee said it was "disappointed in the behavior recently exhibited by Michael Phelps. Michael is a role model, and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people," the committee said. "In this instance, regrettably, he failed to fulfill those responsibilities."
However, it added, "Michael has acknowledged that he made a mistake and apologized for his actions. We are confident that, going forward, Michael will consistently set the type of example we all expect from a great Olympic champion."
(To view full story, go to cnn.com 2/1/09)
Bad behavior?...Oh, they're just "youthful"
I Timothy 4:12 [NIV]
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
II Timothy 2:22 [NIV]
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
What does God's Story teach us about what is expected of young people?
Isn't it interesting that "youthful and inappropriate" almost seem to be synonyms in today's story. These are often the same expectations (or lack thereof) that the world puts on young people. It has become the common, and widely accepted, excuse given for any bad behavior or lack of judgment shown by someone who is young.
In today's passage we see that God expects something quite different from us...regardless of age. In fact, not only does God's Story not allow for such an excuse...it calls them to be examples in speech, life, love, faith and purity!
Michael Phelps has been given the responsibility of setting an example that we would expect from "a great Olympic champion". We on the other hand, have an even bigger responsibility! We are living examples of the King of the Universe. We are Christians, which literally means that we are to be "little Christs".
It is commendable how Michael Phelps has responded...with humble confession. Even though we shouldn't buy into the lie that it is acceptable for young people to sin just because they are young, they (like any adult) are going to mess up on occasion. When that happens...go to God, confess and start setting a Godly example from that point forward.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story with my story?
- Stop buying into the excuse of "being youthful" and start leading by example!
- When temptations come...FLEE! Begin to purposely avoid the areas of life that lead you down the wrong roads and set your mind to pursuing a life of righteousness.
- If you do falter, know that there is forgiveness. Talk to your Father about it and ask Him to help you resume your pursuit of the life He has for you.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and my story with my friend's story?
Talk with a friend about this incident with Michael Phelps and how you can identify with him. Perhaps you could share how you have some mistakes in your past that you wouldn't want on the newspaper headlines all over the world. You could also let them know that, even though you aren't perfect, you too want to be a role model.
In I Corinthians 4:16, Paul says "I urge you to imitate me." Spend some time asking God to help you be as bold as Paul...where your life is one that would allow you to say to others, "Watch me and you will see a model of Christ." This is not to be said in an arrogant way at all...but rather with a humble, yet confident assurance of what Christ has done in you.
Just as God used Paul's example in powerful ways, He will be able to use yours as well...whether you are young or not!
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