Don’t Join in the Backlash

“A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 BSB

In an article titled, “Ahead of Race, Cleveland Marathon Course Receives Backlash” published Friday, it was reported that race organizers for the Cleveland Marathon were forced to create a new course because of construction along the route. The marathon’s executive director, Jack Staph, told 3News “What people have to understand is we don’t have total control over this.” He went on to explain, “We have to then present it to the city and it’s negotiated on what we can and can’t do.” Staph said his organization spoke with different running groups to get their thoughts and decided to make it a “Cleveland-centric course.” That means runners will makes lots of turns, crossovers, and out-and-backs, but will also run by city landmarks, including Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Progressive Field, and the Christmas Story house in Tremont. Despite their best efforts though, one runner said, “In running 20 full marathons, I have seen a LOT of bad courses & had a lot of bad training runs. But this course takes the cake. Yuck. Seriously dreading this 13.1 next Sunday.” 

And you know, while there will always be changes that will be out of our control, believers would do well not to join in on any unmerited backlash. I mean think about it… the course had to be changed or the race would have been canceled. Rather than bash, or unleash “a perverse tongue” against the event planners (who did the absolute best with the situation they were handed), a Christian’s response should be made with a “soothing tongue,” with words of understanding being spoken. After all, harsh words and criticism won’t change a situation and will only sour the spirits of all those who hear them. Can you imagine how differently people might perceive the course if the words written had been, “In running 20 full marathons, I’ve seen a lot of different courses. This one is new but I’m really looking forward to the twists and turns it has and seeing Cleveland’s landmarks. This 13.1 miles is going to be exciting!” 

So knowing that kind words, whether written or spoken, set us apart as believers in Jesus, let us choose to use words that build up rather than tear down my friend. Even if (and especially when) we are the only ones to use them, knowing that speech seasoned with grace has the power to draw people closer to Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our words and deeds should be totally different from that of the world. Please cause us to speak and write things that encourage and uplift others so that people would seek You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!