Feet Swift to Mischief

WEST SIDE'S BUMP FOR THE MONTH -August 2002

In of the more disturbing stories to lately come out of another professional athlete's criminal problems is one involving sneaker sales.
If you follow the NBA you know there are few players as talented as the Philidelphia 76ers Alan Iverson. One of the shorter players around yet one of the most effective at putting the ball through the net for 2 or 3 points each night he plays.
One of Alan's problems is however is the fact that he seems to run into problems away from the court and the latest skirmish with the law involves an alleged wrong against his wife. Unfortunately, this wonderfully talented player may be spending more effort in the court of law rather than the basketball court.
What is so disturbing? This certainly isn't an isolated incident!

Alan had a shoe agreement with a company and before this took place, sales were really bad. So bad in fact that the company had marked the sneakers at 60% off of the original price. Seems like just based on his basketball skills, the shoes weren't going anywhere and would eventually be discontinued.
However, since he's been under criminal investigation, the shoes have taken off like wildfire. The price is back up to the original tag and stores can't keep them on the shelf! What made the difference?
Did he become better at his game?
Hardly! Did they become a rare collector's item?
Not very likely. All that happened was once he became a 'bad' boy again, everyone wants to wear a pair of his shoes!

Why does association with evil pay off big for some people?
Why do many in our world seem to take special notice of someone once they fall?
Can that not be tempting to a lot of folks?
If I just do a little wrong, a bigger payback is due! If it will help me succeed in the end it can't be that wrong! What do you think other stars are thinking if their shoes aren't making them a fortune?

This is not written as a slam against Iverson. Remember these are just charges, and not every charge is always accurate. Also, if he did do this, I don't believe he had it in his mind to increase the sales of his shoes. But, what about the many who are flocking to his mischief?
The wise man told us years ago "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises schemes, FEET THAT ARE QUICK TO RUSH INTO EVIL, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." (Proverbs 6:16-19)

My friends, let us avoid the temptation to simply rush to something because it may be a little less than pure. Let us say no to the attraction that comes from acts or actions that hinder ones walk with God! After all, the reward of evil in the end is not worth giving up what we have found in God.

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