God is transforming His followers into the image of Christ. By God’s grace and power they become more like Christ. His commands involve not just outward behavior, but also the thoughts and motives of our minds and hearts. We can use this abbreviated list from Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica as an exhortation toward how God would want to lead, strengthen, and teach us.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 (Abbreviated):
- 12 Respect those who…are over you in the Lord….
- 13 Live in peace with each other….
- 14 Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
- 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong…always try to be kind….
- 16 Be joyful always;
- 17 Pray continually;
- 18 Give thanks in all circumstances…
- 22 Avoid every kind of evil.
Even though this code of conduct is a trustworthy overarching principle for life, it also applies to our league in general. Refusal to pursue this code of behavior may result in removal from any participation in the league for a game or more, or a season. Continued violation may result in a permanent ban from the league.
Some Particulars for all of us to read and adhere to
- I will make sure I read the rules provided and abide by those rules.
- I realize that confrontations, yelling, profanity, and any sort of anger are strictly prohibited. If any sort of conflict arises I will not confront the situation, but rather, remove myself from the situation immediately, even if that means leaving the game and perhaps the building.
- I realize that I have placed myself under the authority of all referees and league staff.
- I realize that this league is based on High School federation rules with some variations for recreational play.
- I assume responsibility for my actions/words/behavior. I realize that the referees have a duty to give technical fouls for infractions of certain rules.
- I understand it is our team’s responsibility to make sure all our players are non-violent, recreational players, and further understand that we, as a team, can be held accountable for any of our players’ actions.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 (Unabridged NASB Excerpt)
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.
