14 Jul, 2006
Keep Your Head!
INSULTS PROVOKED ZIDANE TO HEAD-BUTT ITALIAN
In his first, highly awaited comments since the World Cup final, the France captain only partly explained what caused him to head-butt Italy's Marco Materazzi: Repeated harsh insults about his mother and sister.
Relaxed and soft-spoken, Zidane repeatedly apologized to fans - especially to children - in several interviews on Wednesday, three days after the abrupt, violent act prompted his sending off in extra time of the final won by Italy.
The 34-year-old midfielder said he didn't regret the head-butt which marked the end of his 18-year professional career.
Zidane and Materazzi exchanged words after Italy broke up a French attack. Seconds later, Zidane lowered his head and rammed Materazzi in the chest, knocking him to the ground.
Zidane was sent off, reducing France to 10 men. Italy went on to win in a penalty shootout while Zidane - an excellent penalty-taker - was in the locker room.
The act of aggression scarred the end of the World Cup, with many warning it would tarnish Zidane's formidable legacy. He retired after the tournament, and he said his decision was definitive.
President Jacques Chirac has had only kind words for Zidane since the match - reassuring him that France still "admires and loves him." Many in France have already pardoned Zidane. A poll published in Le Parisien newspaper on Tuesday showed 61 percent of the 802 people questioned forgave Zidane.
photo & story courtesy foxsports.com, 7/13/06
Proverbs 16:32
32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. (ESV)
Having patience is more important than having power, because if you lose your temper, you’ll probably lose your position. Self-control is key to being successful. Anyone who loses control of his or her temper can not continue to be successful in school, at home, or on the job. God intends for us to keep our heads, no matter the situation.
So, it is a personal victory when we control our temper. Whenever you feel so upset that you could “head-butt” someone, remember that losing control may cause you to lose what you want the most.
Just ask the star soccer player who lost the World Cup. Well…if you do, you might want to keep your distance.
- Memorize today’s verse as a reminder to trust God’s Spirit for self-control.
- Read Galatians 5:22-26 for more on this challenge.
- Write down the challenges or circumstances in life that often make you feel angry. Once a week, give this list to Jesus in prayer and experience His control and power at work in you!
- Talk to God right now….thank Him for the power of His Spirit in you. Confess the ways in which you sort of lose control with your emotions. Thank Jesus for His forgiveness and patience to help you get a grip.
- Whenever you see or play soccer, let Jesus remind you that He can help you keep your head.
- This is the most important – if you have lost your head and blown up at someone, go and apologize and ask for forgiveness.
- When someone insults you or blows up at you, keep your head. Respond like Jesus would, because Jesus is living in you. (Hint: the only way this is possible, is if you are abiding in Christ every day. Check out John 15 to really get a grip on this essential truth.)
- Be ready for surprised reactions if you apply the first two ideas – Jesus may use these moments to open up some great conversations.
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