Humans are becoming a less civilized people. Jesus said this would happen as it gets closer to his return: “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). And the reason why lawlessness will increase is because, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men . . . For this reason God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done” (Romans 1:18, 28). As time rolls on, humanity is getting uglier because God’s restraining hand is letting us go our own way.

For example, the metal placard attached to a baseball batting cage across the street from where I live reveals what is going on the hearts of parents of little children:

1. “These Are Kids” says the sign. That’s because what is going on in the hearts of parents in their 30’s and early 40’s is this: “that boy on first base is my son . . . he’s better than your son . . . I will not tolerate any down-sizing of his immaculate place on the field or I will cuss you out!!!!!! My son’s exaltation is the means to my chest-beating . . . which means I, yes I, ME, ME MEMEMEMEME – is better than any of you dads. Just look at my 2018 Camaro parked over there . . .”
2. “This is a Game” says the sign. That’s because what is going on in the hearts of these parents is life and death. “This is not a game . . . this is my community reputation on the line . . . this is a means-to-an-end: and the end game is public praise and approval of ME.”
3. “The Coaches Volunteer” says the sign. That’s because what is going on in the hearts of parents is, “I swear, if he does not play my daughter in the next inning I’m going to pull my companies support to purchase next year’s jerseys and I’m going to secretly call a meeting with the other parents to have him fired from his volunteer job.”
4. “The Umpires are Human” says the sign. That’s because what is really going on in the hearts of parents and is coming out of their mouths is, “You ^**%#$&* piece of %&*%$@#@. Why don’t you put your *^#&()^!^* glasses on and do your (&$@*))&^ JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

As summer sports gets going, and you happen to be a parent of a child who plays and competes, guard your heart from the escalating incivility that is all around us, from social media to the baseball field.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” – Eph. 4:29

If you are a parent who loves the Lord and a nasty verbal shouting match takes place right there in the middle of the game between a parent and an umpire, (and you’ll have to prepare your child for this in advance that this is what you’re going to do if this happens), publicly walk on to the field, take your child by the hand and walk out of the game, off the field, into the car and drive away, in front of everyone! Show that you will not tolerate the incivility of adults speaking that way and acting that way in front of your child. If no one else joins you, so be it. Do the right thing: #IWILLNOTTOLERATEINCIVILITY