Sushil Kumar (38 years) won wrestling Olympic bronze medal in 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver medal in 2012 summer Olympics. He and his friends had a fight with young wrestlers, and they beat up three youngsters. One of them Sagar Rana (23 years), Junior Wrestling National champion died, and Sushil Kumar was arrested for murder charges. (NDTV 23 May 2021) Getting medal in an Olympic event is a great achievement for people like Sushil who come from a very humble origin. His family could not afford his training and good food supplements, they were all vegetarians.
1. Pride: Coming from a humble background, gradually Sushil became proud of his achievements: laurels for the country, Olympic medals, Common Wealth games medals, media write-ups, celebrity status, followers in social media and physical prowess. Hence, he expected all people to respect him, adore him and dare not speak against him.
2. Anger: He got angry with others for no reason. His pride made him angry whomsoever he perceived to be against him. He had great strength to defeat his enemies in wrestling match but could not control his anger. “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)
3. Envy: As Cain was envious of Abel, Sushil was envious of young prodigy Sagar Rana, who may get more laurels, followers and medals than him. Hence, he was envious of the youngster.
4. Lack of self-control: Sushil was able to discipline his body, keep it fit and was able to win in games. However, he could not control his emotions and inner urge for revenge. “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28) A city without walls means city exposed to enemies’ attacks and vulnerable for devastation. Lack of self-control and self-discipline made him victim of his emotional outbursts and led him to violence and murder.
Do I spiritually discipline my body, emotions, and mind not to sin?