Are You a Tiger?

I've held off talking about Tiger Woods until now. I figured that the whole world already has weighed-in and spoken or written what they thought. Everyone has given their free advice; saying what they would do, should do, and could do. Photographers have been relentless to show us the next photo of the next move in this story. Comedians have filled their shows and columns with materials. Up-to-the-minute reports have come across the news outlets keeping us informed of each and every latest development. All of this was done at the expense of a shattered marriage. Still want to be Tiger Woods? 

I am grieved to see another marriage, family, woman, children devastated by immorality. How many more do we need until we say; “That’s enough?” Personally, I say we shut it down and say the quota is filled; let’s talk about something else.

My bigger concern is that the possibility of this situation is not limited to only Tiger. Given the chance it is very possible that we too could've failed. All that fame, money (billions), ego, success could’ve cracked the very foundations of our fortress we call marriage. Try living day after day never having to say "no" to anything and see how long you last!   

Let me be clear, I'm not trying to defend what he did nor to excuse it or justify it in any way. I feel so sorry for Elin and others whose trust has been betrayed by Tiger; but rather I write this to point out the depravity of man.  

You see, I'm not sure how many of us would’ve said "no". I know, that is a very sobering thought! We would like to believe that we are un-shakable; so rock-solid in our commitments and convictions, that WE would never cross the line.   

But are we? It is my belief that each of us has a “kryptonite” that has the potential of breaking our super power that we call moral conviction. Why else would so many leaders and “average Joes” throw it all away for a moment of pleasure and indiscretion? 

So why do moral people give in? Simply put, we are humans living in a broken world filled with temptations sitting at every corner waiting to trap us. We try to do it on our own thinking that we are strong enough and righteousness enough to handle the situation ourselves. We never even think (outside of a fantasy) that we would ever give in. I am talking about giving into temptation even with a peek (at a website, photo, ad) or a poke (a prolonged hug, embrace, conversation).  

But the Bible tells a different story:
• “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
• “all our righteousness are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:5-7)
•  “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way…”  (Isaiah 53:6)
•  “As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.”  (Romans 3:10-11)

I am not limiting my blog to men; remember there were women who chose to be with this person knowing full well that he was married. Temptation hits us all and has a potential of tripping us all up; NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE.  

1Corinthians 10:13a “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man;”  

That is the sobering news.  

The passage goes on to give hope: 1Co 10:13b “ but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”   

So what is the solution? Our only hope is in Jesus. Romans 8:26: “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”  

We need to realize just how dependent upon Him we are. We need to be honest with our weakness and areas of vulnerabilities before God. 1John 1:8 say; “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”  

We need to confess our sins and let God cleanse us and help us to turn from the sin (Repent) so that it doesn’t take root in our lives. 1John 1:9 says; “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  

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