Owning Your Mistakes

Owning Your Mistakes

Through the years there have been all sorts of scandals in sports—from “Shoeless” Joe Jackson throwing the World Series to Tonya Harding authorizing an assault on Nancy Kerrigan. Some athletes remain infamous while others are able to make a comeback in their sport.

The athletes who have humbled themselves and admitted their mistakes are ultimately given grace and an opportunity to come back and prove themselves again. Think of the baseball steroid scandal that began in 2005. There were many players who were suspended at one point or another. The Yankees had a handful of high-profile players who were accused of using some sort of performance-enhancing drug to assist them in either their performance or recovery.

One in particular, Andy Pettitte, quickly admitted his mistake and asked for the fans to forgive him. He went on to pitch at a high level and ultimately had his number retired by the New York Yankees during the 2015 season. Others who have continued to deny the accusations have placed a wedge between themselves and the public because the public doesn’t like being lied to.

Proverbs 28:13 states, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” Pettitte owned his mistakes and is a good example of how we can do the same. When you have made a mistake, don’t dig in and deny. This strategy will lead to a diminishment of your influence and effectiveness. Instead, humble yourself, apologize for your error, and learn from your mistakes. Over the long haul you will preserve your influence and even possibly see your influence grow. Remember, humility leads to honor, and pride to disgrace.

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Proverbs 28:13