“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” — Proverbs 21:3
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If you’ve ever watched professional tennis, you’ve surely noticed the chair umpire that sits at mid-court and the line judges placed around the court, ready to make line calls. But at lower levels of the sport, those parameters don’t exist. In most high school and junior matches, players are responsible for making their own line calls.
From an early age, tennis players are taught the fundamentals and strategies of the game. They’re also taught how to make honest calls and how to compete with character and integrity. In these matches, every call depends on the player on the receiving end of the shot. If a ball is close, they can call it out, and that decision stands. An opponent can question it, but ultimately, the call belongs to the player. In other words, if someone wants to cheat, they can.
Realistically, this kind of behavior doesn’t last long. If it becomes obvious, a line judge can be brought in — usually a coach or a tournament official. But in the moment — especially if a game or a set hinges on a close call — players face the temptation to make a call in their favor.
When I played, I never wanted to win like that. I would rather lose than know I won by cheating my opponent out of a close call. I’ve been on the other end of those kinds of calls, and it doesn’t feel good. A win like that never feels clean, and it’s not something you can actually be proud of. Now, as a coach, I try to instill that same mindset in my players. If a shot is close and they’re unsure about the call, it’s the opponent’s point.
Character matters, both in sports and in life. And sports can be a valuable training ground for us to cement strong character in our everyday decisions.
The Bible is clear that we must operate with integrity and character in everything we do in life. Proverbs 21:3 says, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Or we can just look to the Golden Rule in Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Our goal in life is not to come out on top or be the winner in every pursuit; it’s to allow our hearts and minds to be formed like Jesus. Winning a match will never matter as much as the condition of your heart. Sports offer a ton of temptation to neglect these moral and ethical callings, but even something as small as a line call in a tennis match can present an opportunity to either compromise or live with integrity.
Choosing to operate with character and integrity might cost you a point or a match, and people may not always understand it. They may even disagree with it. But you will always honor God with your athletic ability when you use it in a way that promotes Christlike character and integrity.
— Cole Claybourn
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