Josh Jamison's Blog Here are some of my thoughts, questions and things I have found helpful in my journey. Enjoy-

As I was reading through the weeks sports news, my attention was immediately grabbed by more headlines about the University of Oregon football program. Before I go any further, I want to clarify that my motives behind writing this are not founded upon bashing the Ducks football program or otherwise down-talking the school in any form. With that said, in the last year there has been a troubling string of events that have included young men dawning the green and yellow of UO.
The 1st, and most publicized came when running back Legarrette Blunt infamously punched an opposing player in the jaw, then tried to take on the whole Boise State Stadium, State Troopers and even his own teammates in what could only be described as "uncontrollable rage". More recently, both running back LaMichael James and quarterback Jeremiah Masoli have found themselves in serious trouble with the law. Charges ranging from physical abuse, harassment and theft have clouded the Oregon Ducks football program the last 9 months.

Almost as disturbing has been the way the Oregon Administration and Coaching Staff has handled these situations. Blount (their star running back) was initially suspended for the remainder of his senior season, a punishment that could be argued as fair. However, just weeks later, Coach Kelly announced that they had a "process" for Blount to return to the field by the end of the season, right at the time Oregon anticipated playing for a Bowl Game. If it were a isolated incident, this preferential treatment and bending of standards could easily be glossed over, but unfortunately this is just one example of the priority placed on talent over the priority of character and morality.

While Coach Kelly has publicly declared that he is "Not ready to discipline James and Masoli." for charges that span from malicious and violent to flat out evil, he certainly had no problem suspending freshman linebacker Kiko Alonso for the 2010 season, days after he was charged with DUI.
But in Coach Kelly's defense, why would he want to have to suspend or punish his two star players for the season in which they are ranked as the #4 pre-season team in the nation? We're talking national press, millions of dollars in bowl game money, recruitment leverage and booster support.

While the problems mount in Eugene, what is grabbing national headlines in College Football is, I believe, a common struggle within the walls of the Church. Character vs. Talent.
It's an unpleasant battle between seeing the potential in a person, wanting to pull the best out of them, setting them up for greatness in their future, but at the same time bringing the proper boundaries, restrictions and penalties that help us learn valuable life lessons along our journey.

I know in my journey, one of the things that hurt me the most was being elevated to places of leadership, authority and public view before I had developed the right character to properly lead and handle to pressures and perks of my positions.
Not only is that a dangerous place for an individual to be, it's a danger to the people under their leadership.

In his message at Youth Pastor's Summit, Pastor Les Welk spoke an inspiring word on the clash between Paul and Barnabas. The disagreement arose over John Mark, who had some character and talent issues. Barnabas saw the potential in John Mark, and even though he had some pretty big flaws to work through, Barnabas wanted to help him. Paul, on the otherhand, saw what a liability John Mark was, no matter how many talents adnd gifts he had. Paul wasn't willing to take the risk of his ministry being shipwrecked or people's lives being shipwrecked by John Mark's recklessness.
Later on in the story we find that Paul reconciles with John Mark, claiming "He has great value to me now".
Who was right? Both. Without the love and guidance of Barnabas and without the firm rebuke and punishment of Paul, John Mark would never have come full circle.

In retrospect, it was that same pattern that proved right in my own life. A place of firm punishement combined with a gracious hand led me to a humble understanding of my God given gifts and responsibilities. Ultimately, we need to allow our leadership to be fuled by Grace and guided by "God's glorious standards." (Romans 3:22-24 NLT) They both need each other.

In the end, I would rather it be said that I lived a life of character than a life full of talent.
Let's hope Coach Kelly can develop the character within the lives of his talented football team.