I have a book in my study entitled, "Who are you when no one's looking?" by Bill Hybels. Perhaps we could change the title a little and make it, "Who are you when no one is listening?" Someone asked me what I thought about Michael Clark's (Australia's Cricket team Captain) 'sledging' of James Anderson during the closing hours of the first test at the Gabba last week. The Australian Cricket Captain spoke some unpleasant words (regarded as 'sledging') to the very last batsmen on the opposition's list (generally regarded as least in the skills of batting), suggesting that he should get ready to have his arm broken.

In Michael Clark's defense, he made those comments when he thought that the pitch microphones were off as is standard procedure between overs. However, someone forgot to switch them off and all heard Michael Clark's comments.

So what do I think? Well, something inside of me wants to say, "James Anderson had it coming! It's about time someone gave him, along with the opposition a serve, after all, they are pretty good at dishing it out themselves."

Thankfully, my tongue was restrained. If the truth be known, I was disappointed in what the Captain of Australia's cricket team said. As Captain of the team, he not only represents the rest of his teammates, but in a sense also the rest of cricket fans in Australia and perhaps beyond. His appointment as Captain is not only a position of honour, it also carries with it an extra responsibility to behave in a manner that is exemplary and will not bring the game of cricket into disrepute.

In the past, cricket has always been known as a 'gentlemen's game", but it seems those days are over. It's no longer a game where grown men have a mutual respect for each other's gifts and talents, but a game where you do whatever you can to unsettle your opponent, which was probably all Michael Clark's comments intended to do. But really it was more than that for even the Australian Cricket Board fined Michael Clark $2800.00 for his poor behaviour and language towards an opposition player and bringing the game into disrepute.

Now Michael Clark's justification for his out burst was in short, "Pay-back!" Apparently James Anderson had done some of his own 'sledging' towards the Australian players previously. But Michael Clark, as Captain of the team should lead by example and this wasn't one of his better moments.

Interestingly, some previous Australian cricket players wholeheartedly endorse this sort of behaviour while others suggested it should not be part of the game. Many years ago, one famous cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman was asked about 'sledging' and made the following comment: "It seldom happened in my day. If a team member did it, he would be warned once; if he did it again, I would see to it that he would not be on the team again." I think Michael Clark will be more careful next time for someone is always looking and listening.

Well all this reminded of Bill Hybel's book. As Christians, who are we when no one is looking or listening? I realize we all have moments when we do something or say something that we regret. But as Christians we also have added responsibility.  The Scriptures also call on us as redeemed people to behave in a way that shows we are different from the world. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount reminds us that we should be a 'salting' salt. Paul when writing to the Ephesian church reminds that no unwholesome talk should come out of their mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up (Eph 4:29).

Perhaps when these verses are in the forefront of our thinking we may be more careful in what we say and do. As people we should be striving to show that the Holy Spirit rules our hearts and tongues. And thankfully, with the help of the Holy Spirit we can begin to behave in a manner that's a little more Christ like.

Sadly, for most of us there have been times when we have failed miserably. Thankfully, there is forgiveness in Christ. What's more, we're not even fined for our uncontrolled out bursts, for He paid the penalty in full. But that doesn't mean we should sin more! May that never be!

Perhaps to avoid this area of sin we should be asking, "How will what I am about to say or do reflect my love for my Saviour who gave his life for me? How will it assist my neighbour to respect my Lord and Saviour a little more?"  To bring the game of cricket into disrepute is one thing, but to bring the name of our Saviour into disrepute is quite another.

Prayer: Lord your word reminds us that, "Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue (Pro 11:12) So set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psa 141:3) Amen. JZ.