Black Friday took a whole new meaning for Tiger Woods once it was disclosed he was on the prowl in NYC. What a shame. What a disappointment! It’s always a tragedy to see someone caught in the web of infidelity and deception, but it can happen to anyone — no one is above it. However, as the saying goes, “the bigger you are, the harder you fall“, and the thud you heard Friday morning was that of Tiger falling from his pedestal.
Tiger’s private life became public when he drove his car into a fire hydrant and a tree at 2:30 a.m., prompting a neighbor to call the police. Apparently, Woods was linked to a party hostess in New York City, and a confrontation with his wife ensued. Rather than answer the police or media’s questions about the accident, he holed up for two days causing speculation to run rampant worldwide. To fill Woods’ deafening silence, more women who allegedly had trysts with him entered the fray; some with electronic proof of their relationship.
All of this is so unfortunate for Tiger and his family, but God is faithful and sovereign, and there is an eternal reason this information came to light. Scripture tells us “to whom much is given, much is required”, a far cry from a demand for perfection (which Tiger has declared he’s not), but a realistic mandate required of those placed in positions of influence.
Now is the time exhibit humility and contrition rather than tell everyone, “It‘s a private matter so leave me alone!” The damage is done, things will never be the same again for him, so he should just come out of his lair, and humbly & simply say, “I was wrong, and I’m sorry.” No excuses. No fanfare. No explanation. Just a sincere apology for living a lie about who he really is.
It’s time for a change in Tiger’s life, but that will only happen when there’s a change in his heart, and the heart can only be changed by the One who made it. A mere alteration in Tiger’s, or any adulterer’s, behavior is insufficient. He needs a new heart, and that comes from repentance to God the Father through the blood of Jesus Christ. This may be the lowest point in Tiger’s life, but perhaps it’s the catalyst the Lord is using to arrest this well liked, young, successful man to deliver him from the kingdom of darkness and bring him into the Kingdom of Light.
