Over the past decade, several Major League players were implicated in what has become known as “The Steroid Era.” Dozens were accused, some were suspended, and many others denied use of performance enhancing drugs.
It’s interesting to see what response these implicated players received from the fans and media.
Some are still vilified. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, at the time of this writing, maintain their innocence, despite seemingly overwhelming testimony and circumstantial evidence against them. Their denials are less than believable and, as a result, they are baseball outcasts.
Some are dismissed. Manny Ramirez failed a drug test, was suspended, and returned to great fanfare in Los Angeles. Yet, he is largely dismissed as a caricature of himself.
And some are forgiven. Andy Pettitte was quick to admit the guilt chronicled in MLB’s “Mitchell Report.” He’s since been forgiven and celebrated.
The difference is that Pettitte admitted quickly what happened, whereas the others denied it, even in the face of the evidence.
Now, let’s admit that Bonds and Clemens never failed a test, but relatively no one believes they weren’t users. Andy Pettitte never failed a test, either, but many today forget he admitted using.
Why?
Proverbs 28:13–“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.”
This isn’t saying there aren’t consequences for sin or that people won’t care what you’ve done if you just admit it. What it is saying is that you get nowhere by hiding and covering up what you’ve done. When you confess it, you find that people are more willing to forgive and help you. You find that we are all sinners who need grace. You find freedom.
Lord Jesus, help me admit my sin to others, even what is hidden. I want to be free from it. I want the grace and compassion that you’ll bring through others. Amen.
