The Patriots’ great start to the 2007-08 NFL season was besmirched by Coach Belichick’s cheating tactics. Yesterday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell fined the Patriots’ head coach $500,000 (the biggest fine ever for a coach) and the team itself another $250,000 for using a video camera to spy on the opposing team’s coaches. In addition to being fined, the Patriots had to forfeit next season’s first-round draft pick (if they make it to the play-offs) or the second- and third-round draft picks (if they don’t make it to the play-offs).
Webster defines cheating as “the obtaining of property from another by an intentional active distortion of the truth.” It involves sneaky tactics for the purpose of escaping observation. In this case, Belichick’s attempt to do so failed. And now he is paying the price.
God in His Word calls His people to “provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17). The word “honest” translates the Greek term kalos, which means “noble, admirable, or praiseworthy; beautiful by reason of purity.” There’s something “ugly” about cheating (i.e., “you dirty cheat!”), yet there’s something beautiful about honesty and integrity. “Winners” who cheat suffer loss, whereas honest “losers” have a way of turning out winners in the long run (as their honesty is harnessed with hard work).
When you are faced with an opportunity to cheat – to gain an advantage via deception – remember what is at stake and pray for the courage to do what is right. Whether you’re taking an exam at school, applying for a job, or paying your taxes, make it your aim to “provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Rom. 12:17). Follow the example of our Lord, “who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). God’s way is always the best way, and those who walk in His ways are the real winners.
It is sad to hear one of the few teams we thought we could use as a good role model to our children, has fallen into this trap.
The lesson for us must be that Satan will always make cheating and Sin look good to our flesh. But the Lord’s word tells us, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (1Cor 10:13)
Let’s use this as an opportunity to talk to our children about cheating and with the Lord’s help, turn it into a positive thing. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:28)
There is so much more that could be said, but I will stop here.