Locker Room Talk: 3 Tips for Christian Athletes
Any high level athlete understands the intensity of the work required to win a championship. Winning games is tough. For athletes who follow Christ, the challenges of being on a team don’t end when practice is over. A different bag of obstacles are presented in the locker room.
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been there. Butch in the corner yells across the locker room to Jason, “Hey bro, you get some with your girl last night?” Or “Aye, we getting trashed if we win or what?” Those comments are bad but let’s be real. Those two examples don’t even touch the surface of what is said in locker rooms. And, a guy named Butch was never on my team, praise God.
What is someone with Christian morals to do when put in these situations? It’s certainly not easy. But, here are some things that I found helpful during my years in the locker room.
Tip #1 Ignore it
Ignoring the sinful dialogue in locker rooms is an effective strategy. No one wants to be dragged into those gross conversations. I get it. I’ve been there. You want to be friends with everyone. You want to be a part of the family. However, you don’t want your teammates to misconstrue your opposition to their weekend plans as opposition to them as people. Ignoring these conversations isn’t cowardice. It’s smart. And, you can always guide your teammate one on one at a later point with regards to their behavior. Now, don’t be fooled. Ignoring these conversations in close quarters is not easy. You’re bound to be invited into the sinful conversation and be presented with a moral decision. In this case, Tip #2 will be especially helpful.
Tip #2 Change the Subject
Divert, divert, divert. If you get invited into slander, to objectify women, or to glorify drugs or alcohol, begin talking about something else. Bring up something that you “forgot” to tell your buddy and it requires changing the subject for the moment. “Hey, was that project due today? I haven’t even started.” Or, “Did you bring in the ball bag? Shoot, I've got to grab that.” These are situational of course. Just be creative and think on your feet.
Tip #3 Take a Stand
All three tips are necessary at different times. However, taking a stand is unique because it involves conflict with your teammates. It will help to be prepared for this moment because you can bet you’ll get retaliation. Now, you don’t need to be a Christian apologist to take a stand. You just need a firm faith life and the courage to do what is right. First, your teammates aren’t your enemies. It won’t do you well to accuse someone of their faults as if that’s going to open their hearts to Christ. If your friend was lifting weights incorrectly, you’d respectfully recommend a correction. It’s the same in the locker room. If someone asks you to take part in something un-Christlike, mimic that respectful correction. It might be helpful to think about things you’ll expect to hear in the future and brainstorm good responses ahead of time.
Also, only speak for yourself and be straightforward. Don’t be an accuser. Be a Christian. Let your teammates see what kind of morals you have. They will respect your courage even if they don’t say it. If you all your friends are bragging about all the people they’ve had sex with, and they ask you your “body count,” say something like, “You know what man, that’s not really in line with my faith.” Or “Sorry man, but my future wife deserves better than that from me.” It may sound unpopular. That’s because it is unpopular. But it’s what’s right. You may not change the mind of your friend who you’re responding to. But, you have no idea who is listening to that conversation. You could be inspiring someone you never expected to reach. You’ll be surprised what an impact you can make in someone’s faith life with such few words. God needs you laboring for souls in the locker rooms too! And remember, “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. (John 15:18-19)