International Week? By Mark Blythe: Chairman Refresh Church FC Surrey, Wembley Referee, Nat Christian Football Festival Co-ordinator, Cleveland County U19 Captain, Middlesbrough Fan, Ambassadors Football Spain Tour Striker, Walking Football Co-ordinator, Sports Chaplain, scorer at Craven Cottage!

What did you make of the World Cup Qualifiers this week? Did you enjoy watching the games/highlights and or reading the comments in the press or on social media?

Personally I find the in depth scrutiny and comments quite laughable but also disturbing at times. You would think that Gareth Bale should become a ‘Sir’ and stand for King of , if it were possible, after the superlatives directed his way this week. Yet only last season the Real Fans were calling for him to leave their club after a couple of ‘below par’ performances in their eyes. How highly do you rate Gareth Bale?

England’s highest ever Goalscorer received mixed reports. His Boss gave him ‘Man of the Match’ status, yet others were saying he was far too deep to be effective (his heat map of positions on the pitch told the story) and some that he’s not even good enough for the team? How highly do you rate Wayne Rooney?

The Book of James gives us clear warning about the powers of our tongue, let’s include in this the power of the tweet or comments on Facebook – modern replacements of the tongue! The Message Bible says in James 3:6 “By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it”.

When we are playing, watching or discussing sport we can show wisdom by not reverting to foul language or saying negative things to or about other people. Wow, that’s countercultural especially in football.

I purchased a wrist band at a Sports Ministry ’Christians in Sport’ event once which had “Audience of One” on it. The idea was to play (or watch) sport just for God, a Christian’s Audience of One. Sport can bring out the worst in me and I’ve seen it do the same for so many others. Keeping the focus on representing Him, not achieving my selfish aims, helps me play/manage/watch with a better attitude.

It’s great that we can have different views on sport, it gives us so much to discuss. Arguments over the best formation 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-5-2 or the original 2-3-5 can be entertaining as long as they aren’t abusive. Rooney or Alli, Sturridge or Kane, Bale for a Knighthood or not? “A word out of your mouth (or pen/computer) …can accomplish nearly anything – or destroy it!”(Message James 3:5)

Check out www.rawfaith.org.uk and join your club’s Christian network to support others who love your club too. Help each other to love your neighbours and your opposition supporters!