Decommit?

This week was an important week for High School football players. Student-athletes all across America signed athletic scholarships with thier college choice. For months college football programs have recruited players to sign and play for their school. During these months the players would “commit” to a school. In my world that would mean they have made a commitment to play football for that school and will sign their scholarship papers on national signing day. The recruiting process has become a closely followed and daily reported on event in America. There seems to be a fascination with what player is going where and will that player become a star. I noticed, what appears to me as a new word, began to emerge during the coverage of this event. Decommit. A player would give his word to a coach that he was coming to thier school, then later change his mind or as it was reported “decommit.” Is that a word? Is that possible? I remember a time when the whole idea of decommitting would be referred to as lying. You gave your word. I can’t place all the blame on the players. Because, the coaches and schools do thier share of lying as well. Many promises are made to the players (NFL, playing time, become a star) all in an effort to get that kid to play football for them. Forget about integrity, getting an education, being a better citizen,  or learning responsibility. Just score touchdowns or make a tackle and life will be great. Decommit. It seems like a fitting word to describe our culture. Decommit. If I don’t like something, if I find a better deal, a better wife, a better church, a better friend, a better god, then I decommit.

I am reminded of the Old Testament verse found in II Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully commited to him.

I am thankful that even though He could, and probably should, God doesn’t ever say to me, “Stan, I found something better. I decommit.”

Advertisement