Saline church of Christ

Unexpected Advice

by Jeff Randolph
December 2006

A number of years ago, one of my dad's co-workers was going to the NBA All-Star game in San Antonio, so I sent down with them a basketball card of David Robinson in hopes of getting an autograph. Sure enough, when they returned to work, my dad brought home some All-Star souvenirs, including my newly signed card. What was written on the card was not something I expected from a professional athlete of his stature. It's not even something that most "regular" people would write. It read "David Robinson Heb. 13:5."

"Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you" - Heb. 13:5

It amazed me, even then, that such a famous person had more things on his mind than fortune and glory.He wanted to ensure that his fans were warned against the biggest problems plaguing professional athletes, and also the whole world:

  1. The Love of Money

    1. "The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang" (1 Tim. 6:10). If everyone were to take heed to just this one warning, the crime rate in the world would be drastically reduced.
    2. Some of us may read verses like these and think, "That doesn't really have to do with me." Well, the love of money is not always apparent to us.
    3. It can often manifest itself in the form of "just wanting one more thing." Regardless of the degree of severity, it is a dangerous state of mind and is at odds with the contentment that God wants us to have (Phi. 4:11-13).

  2. Lack of Trust in God

    1. Despite what He's told us (Matt. 28:20; Jos. 1:5; Ps. 118:6; Rom. 8:31), people just don't listen
    2. Even spiritually-minded people attempt to take the naturalistic approach to some things.
    3. Too often we put too much burden on ourselves to get what we need, or what we think we need. This doesn't mean we shouldn't put any effort in, but that there is a point where one should say "I've done what I can do, the rest is up to God."
As a kid, it was comforting to know that there were athletes out there that weren't focused on re-negotiating that multi-million dollar contract, or adding another 10 cars to their collection. As an adult, it is very comforting to know that, in a world where money seems to rule, we have a God that will supply our needs in things pertaining to this life, and that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8; Phil. 4:19).

Copyright © 2006 by Jeff Randolph. All rights reserved.
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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New American Standard Bible® . Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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