Arenas: Choose Wisdom over Money

Wizards superstar Gilbert Arenas appeared to have it all, 28 years old in the second season of a six-year, $111 million dollar contract. However, when you lack wisdom you really have nothing at all. Arenas pleaded guilty Friday to carrying a pistol without a license in D.C. which is a felony. You have to wonder how Arenas thought it was okay to carry guns, even if they were not loaded, to the Verizon Center which is in essence his workplace.

Just because you have money does not mean you have wisdom. The irony is the Bible states wisdom is to be desired over jewels, money and everything else. Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Then you will walk safely in your way and your foot will not stumble (Proverbs 3:13-15,23).

Arenas who is known for his great moves on the court stumbled big time on this one. Sentencing is scheduled for March 26th. Prosecutors agreed not to ask for more than 6 months, but the judge has the final say and could impose the maximum sentence of five years although that is unlikely. The three-time All-Star has also been suspended indefinitely by the league without pay. He is almost certain to miss the rest of the season and stands to lose about 7 million dollars.

Arenas had all the money but failed to obtain wisdom which is free. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). The Bible contains the wisdom of God. Those who read it and apply it will not stumble.

See also Proverbs 2:10-11, James 1:5

McGwire Carried an Unnecessary Weight

After 20 years of dishonesty Mark McGwire finally came clean about using steroids. Let me start by saying I forgive McGwire. However, is it just me or haven’t we all moved on a long time ago. The way he conducted himself in front of Congress in 2005 was all we really needed to know about McGwire and his steroid use. He says he wanted to speak out at the hearing however his lawyers advised him otherwise. That would have still been 15 years after he started taking steroids.

McGwire and many other players cheated themselves and cheated the game. The main reason he told the truth now is because he knew the heat would be on as he gets back into the game as hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals.

McGwire says he started using steroids prior to the 1990 season consequently he’s been carrying this unnecessary weight for about 20 years. Hebrews 12:1 says, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. It’s hard to run when you are carrying unnecessary weight. Is there any weight you need to get rid of today? Unnecessary weight slows you down and delays you from reaching the blessed place God desires you to be in. Change those bad habits and come clean about any lies you may have told. Then you will be able to start running toward your blessing.