Lawrence Taylor: Sacking a Destructive Habit

Lawrence Taylor is a 10-time Pro Bowler considered by many to be the greatest defensive player of all time in the NFL. Despite all the sacks he amassed on the field, it appears he failed to sack his illicit sexual desires.

A few days ago Taylor was charged with 3rd degree rape and patronizing a prostitute. If convicted the 51 year old faces up to four years in prison. The woman involved was sixteen although she told Taylor she was nineteen.

The Bible speaks at length on the consequences of being involved with prostitutes and sexual sins. Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth (Proverbs 29:3). Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul (Proverbs 6:32).

The solution to this problem that plagues men can be found in seeking the wisdom of God through his word and building a relationship with him. In his book Courage, Edwin Lewis Cole writes, woman was not created to be mans downfall but his companion. Contrary to popular belief controlling illicit sexual desires leads to true satisfaction.

See also 1 Kings Chapter 11 King Solomon's Downfall

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

Anger gone overboard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTmqSbaZzNw

On the opening night of the college football season, Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount punched Byron Hout of Boise St. following the game. Hout appeared to taunt Blount before getting clocked. Blount then got into a minor altercation with his teammates and even the fans before being forcibly taken to the locker room. After the game Blount was apologetic saying he lost his head. The next day Oregon suspended Blount for the entire season. He was a senior hence his college career is now over. Anger gone overboard.

In the heat of the moment we all do things we regret. In sports athletes are so intense sometimes they get caught up in the moment. In life sometimes we are under such intense pressure we get caught up in the moment. But letting your anger get the best of you can be detrimental to your success.

I'm sure Blount has dreams of making the NFL and it sill may happen but the road just got a lot tougher. Having punched a guy on national tv has definitely tarnished his reputation. On top of that he lost the chance to impress NFL scouts during his senior season. Some may say the penalty was too stiff but when your anger goes overboard you have to accept whatever penalty is doled out.

I remember being in college when anger got the best of me on two occasions. Both of them took place on a basketball court. Since I am somewhat short, I always feel like I have something to prove and in both instances I felt I was getting pushed around. The opposing player was also talking trash which didn't help matters either. In both instances I ended up punching the guy just like Blount. I was lucky not to get kicked out of school. The point is controlling anger is a challenge.

The Bible says in Romans 12:9 Vengeance is mine;I will repay saith the Lord. Too often when we feel wronged we want to get even, taking matters into our own hands. That is where the problem lies and taking that course of action one time too many could be your downfall.

In James 1:19 the Bible says Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath. Sometimes we are quick to get angry before hearing the other person out or fully evaluating a situation. The scripture says swift to hear and slow to speak. Keep in mind we all have two ears and one mouth. If we all doubled up on our listening we could avert a lot of arguments that lead to anger. Of course this is not easy, we live in a violent world, from gangster movies to gangster rappers. Many people see violence in their homes. But controlling anger is an area everyone needs to work on. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. Let us pray that we don't always have to get even and that we will listen more. Otherwise if your anger goes overboard, one day you just might find your dreams going with it.