1 Timothy 6:6-10 NKJV — Now g\nodliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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The desire to be a person of influence, power and most of all famous is a pretty strong drive for most people. Time and sacrifice are major factors when pursuing a life of privilege and notoriety. Of course, we can’t forget practice, without it we can’t show people that we’ve got game. Athletes, artists, business entrepreneurs and yes, even politicians all thrive for that fabled “brass ring” and when it is put on they will go to any lengths to keep it on. Integrity and respectability are usually expected by those who reach the celebrity status but what happens when these icons of our society abandon the very ideals we treasure? Unfortunately, the National Basketball Association (NBA) may be guilty of a technical foul.
Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV — Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
Courtesy of NBA
“Yes, we all do have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re only thinking about yourself, I don’t want to get into a word or sentence feud with Daryl, with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke and so many people could have been harmed, not only financially but physically, emotionally, spiritually.”
At a press conference, NBA all-star LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, criticized a tweet sent by Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey in support of Hong Kong protesters fighting to keep their pro-democracy economic system without interference from the People’s Republic of China.
Courtesy of NBA
James had just returned from an NBA tense trip to China, where teams played exhibition games but many player appearances were canceled due to the controversy over Morey’s statement, which was deleted shortly after it was posted.
Courtesy of AP
James’ comments quickly met with criticism in the U.S. and beyond. Michael David Smith from ProFootballTalk, tweeted, “Morey literally was thinking about others. He was thinking about the people of Hong Kong, who want the same freedoms Americans take for granted.” – LeBron James has previously spoken out about social issues in the U.S., including police shootings of black men and the far-right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, but his latest comments have drawn criticism in the U.S. and outrage from protesters in Hong Kong. The question being raised is whether James’ comments are a sincere attempt to protect others or was it an attempt to protect the NBA and it’s 1.4 billion dollar relationship with China?
Luke 16:10-15 NKJV — “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? “And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
Courtesy of NBA
Many believe that it is unfair to criticize LeBron James for his comments after all, wasn’t it just his opinion? Maybe so, but the NBA, who employs LeBron James, and the shoe company Nike, who has an advertising contract with James, as well as, with other NBA athletes and teams, cannot afford to lose a lucrative deal with the “People’s Republic.” Protecting the “bottom line” was the motivation behind his statement. Unfortunately, all pro athletes must “tow the line” for the organizations and leagues they play for or millions of dollars would be lost, their contracts voided and someone else would take their place. Harsh, but that’s the reality they strive and choose to live in.
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Living in the United States gives its citizens the right to express themselves without repercussions but, of course, it is done within the guidelines set by the U.S. Constitution. Justice and injustice we see everyday and will be with us until the day the Lord returns to establish His Kingdom here on Earth. We cannot serve two masters as the Word of God reminds us and if we refuse to speak out against the mistreatment of others or basic human rights being denied from a government that claims to be for the people then we are no better than the oppressors of the people fighting for a better quality of life.
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Riding the fence is only meant for X-Gamers and those who perform stunts but it shouldn’t be a way of life. Our society has adapted the “conservative on some issues, liberal on others” way of thinking which leads to having no conviction in beliefs or philosophies. The Word of God tells us that a double minded person is unstable in their ways and we should be aware of the danger of being in this particular mindset;
Revelation 3:15-22 NKJV — “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”
The Lord is telling us that we will be held accountable for our actions and our words but He does offer a solution. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart. All you have to do is let Him in and let Him be your Lord and Saviour so that He may give you rest, peace and everlasting life.
“Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler”
LeBron James’ comments on the Hong Kong crisis will fade away slowly in the media’s eyes but it’s just a reflection of what is happening in our modern society. Accumulating wealth and prominence is respectful if it is well earned and properly used according to God’s will. If the riches you have cloud your vision and hinder your walk with the Lord then a change must be made. Turn yourself back to Jesus for your reward is far more greater in the Kingdom of Heaven. We double dribble at times and may even get a technical foul every now and then but we are not beyond redemption as long as we pray and ask the Lord for forgiveness and guidance in a world of trouble. Avoid a double technical foul, where get ejected from the game, pass your troubles upon the Lord for His burden is light and He will give you rest.
Mark 10:17-27 NKJV — Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
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