So Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s girlfriend ratted him out because he told her he didn’t want her hanging out with black people at NBA basketball games and elsewhere. Problem is that the NBA consists of almost all black players and he owns one of the teams.
So yesterday a buddy asked me what I thought about the media storm and circus that has ensued. I told him that it was a private conversation in someone’s home, probably illegally recorded, and if it goes to court I would imagine that it will likely be thrown out, similar to illegally obtained evidence without a search warrant.
With that said there is no doubt that Sterling is now toast, and even if the other NBA owners aren’t successful in forcing him to sell, no doubt he will remain drummed out of the league and will be a pariah the rest of his natural days. Assuming he loves the game, he will pay a heavy price for what he said.
I was thinking about heaven the other day and trying to envision what it would look like. I imagined there would be no differences in skin color, just shining smiling faces that dazzle like the sun. We will live in peace and harmony and be enveloped in a genuine love for Christ and each other.
The Bible teaches that the kingdom of God should begin when we are born again. In effect that means we should be able to begin to enjoy God’s blessings immediately after we are saved and not have to wait until we get to heaven.
If we exhibit racism, hatred, divisiveness and so forth it is not of the Lord. Pagan people don’t understand the love of God and many Christians don’t get it either. We have all failed the Lord at one time or other and said and done things of which we are not proud, (including those who are currently slamming Sterling). I certainly cannot judge or condemn anyone. The Apostle Paul declared himself the “Chief Sinner”; if that is the case I’m a very close second.
Jesus hears every word that we utter, even those spoken in the privacy of our homes, or those said when we are in traffic jams, when we watch the news, see Obama’s disingenuous smiling face plastered all over the television set on every channel, hear Nancy Pelosi’s defense of the indefensible. But worst of all God even monitors our thoughts. The NSA is nothing compared to God’s monitoring system. And now for the REALLY bad news, He is recording it all to be used in our trial at the judgment.
Yikes!
I am so thankful that all those mean, insensitive comments and black sins of mine will be erased by the blood of Christ and not used in that ultimate courtroom. Instead Jesus will say, “I already took the punishment for those sins, there will be no double jeopardy for those who have put their faith in Me”.
Nonetheless the thoughts of Christians should remain pure and our thoughts and words should edify the Lord in thankfulness for His sacrifice on our behalves. Unfortunately the tongue is one of the mightiest beasts. Take heart though, God’s love conquers all provided we put our faith in Him, draw close, and follow him.
Have a great weekend and go to Honey Lake Church, (or somewhere) this weekend. Our associate Pastor Kenny Munds is in the hospital with chest pains, please pray for him. He is scheduled to get out today after some tests and should be available to preach Sunday, but if not the Lord will provide. I’m in Washington D.C. for an important conference, and will miss this Sunday, but my prayers will be with our faithful flock and especially for my friend Kenny.
James 3:7
For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God . . .
May 16, 2014 – Click here to listen