God's Coaching #73

God's Coaching #73

Lots of kids swim. Others dance. Still others perform gymnastics. But not many plug their noses, jump into a pool, and do all three at once. Welcome to the wonderful world of synchronized swimming. March is a big month for this unique aquatic sport. This time each year, USA Synchro, America’s governing body for synchronized swimming, hosts the US Collegiate Championships and the US Junior Championships. Many of these swimmers are aspiring Olympians.

This unique sport, which made its Olympic debut in 1984, combines elements of swimming, dancing, and gymnastics in a pool. Female competitors perform two routines—a technical program filled with required moves and an artistic program where swimmers are free to perform moves of their own choice. As in gymnastics and figure skating, a panel of judges scores the routines to determine a winner. Synchronized swimming differs from other team sports, though, by featuring two or more teammates who are trying to perfectly imitate each other’s movements. The most graceful swimmer in the world won’t score well in synchro if she isn’t imitating her teammate well.

What’s the Score?

Imitating your team in synchronized swimming is very important. But it might not be a good idea in other situations. In 3 John 1:11, the Bible commands us to “not imitate what is evil but what is good” (NIV). We live in a world where people fight, lie, cheat, steal, curse, take the Lord’s name in vain, speak unkind words, disobey their parents, dishonor God, etc.

Maybe you know some people who do these things. We are not to follow their example. Rather, we should be very careful whom we hang out with because we are to imitate what is good. God calls us to follow his laws, imitate Christ’s example of how to treat others, and surround ourselves with those who love him. The more we do these things, the easier it is to obey God and imitate what is good.

On the Ball

Make friends with a strong Christian who loves God and obeys his Word.

Coach’s Comment

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:11 (NIV)