Who Said It
Dan Britton

Dan Britton is a senior vice president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, overseeing its camps and its campus, sport-specific, and coaches' ministries.

Both the Virginia high-school football and lacrosse teams he captained won conference and state honors. At the University of Delaware, he was the lacrosse team captain and a leading scorer. He then spent four years as a starter for the Baltimore Thunder.

What He Said
Attitude Check

Carson Palmer, a Heisman Trophy winner and the number one NFL draft pick in 2003, signed a $49 million, six-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. $10 million of it was his signing bonus.

However, that $10 million wasn't contingent upon his great throwing arm, his intelligence as a quarterback, or his great play-calling. It was contingent upon his not saying anything negative about his team, coaches, or management. Basically the $10 million signing bonus was a loyalty pledge in which Carson guaranteed that he wouldn't be critical. If he ripped into his team, he lost the cash.

After someone has wronged us on the field or in the locker room, it's easy to lash out. God desires not only for us to keep our mouths from cursing but also to keep them positive. The tongue is only a reflection of what is in our heart. When you're under pressure, what comes out? Criticism or encouragement? You might not get paid $10 million for having a Christlike tongue, but your Savior will be glorified!

Adapted from Heart of an Athlete (Regal, 2005) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Teach me, Lord, what it means to have a Christ-like tongue. Check my tendency to tear others down; prod me to build them up.

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