There a number of passages that come to mind that bear on the subject of this short article:
“And again I say to you, 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” (Matthew 19:24).
“Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:18-20).
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
In the news Saturday was a notice that the National Basketball Association’s Players Union has filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board concerning unfair “business practices” by the NBA.
The purpose of the NRL Board is to protect employees from harassment, abuse, and unfair tactics practiced by their employers. What are the two major complaints of the players? 1) The league is making them use a synthetic rather than leather ball; 2) The league is calling too many technical fouls this year. (Note: the technical fouls are accompanied by $1,000 fines).
Note the quotes from Dallas Mavericks players: Concerning changing the ball, Devean George said, “They don’t do a very good job of warning us about changes. They don’t give us a fair share on rule changes. They just do it and say, ‘Here it is.’ Can’t we get some say-so?” Regarding the technicals, Jerry Stackhouse said that the league is turning players into robots, and commenting on the fines said, “A thousand dollars is a thousand dollars. I don’t care if you make $10 million or $30,000.”
Now I know that this is silly, but that is the point. The fact that such ridiculous complaints are getting a serious hearing indicates just where our society is. So note the preceding passages and the following observations:
- I would invite the NBA players to come out of the clouds and get a real job. To be paid an average of $5.2 million per year, and complain about having to use a different ball is just comical. It indicates the type of warping that can come with too many riches, and is also indicative of a selfish, me first mentality. Stackhouse’s comments concerning the fines indicates that same warped perspective. (Having said that, remember that we too, [relatively], are rich, and could suffer from the same distorted values).
- While an employer does not have the right to harass, to fire an employee without cause, or to put employees in unnecessary danger, to say that its unfair to make the players use a synthetic ball is again silly. The Bible clearly establishes the responsibility of the employee to recognize the authority of the employer, and to submit to it. The players should stop complaining, and use the ball. (Of course, we too should keep our mouths shut and put in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay).
- The technicals are a part of the “respect for the league” rule because the incessant complaining was hurting the league’s relations with fans, and impacting the league economically. For the players to be more concerned with their own need to complain, rather than the welfare of the league, is selfish. (Before we cast stones, we should look for such selfishness in ourselves).
The complaints are frivolous, but show a dangerous societal trend that could be affecting our attitudes and behaviors as Christians as well. Brethren, beware!
Note: Source material for this article can be found at the following URL. click here. (Note: I am not sure how long the Dallas Morning News leaves their articles actively online. The link may or may not work).
