Pride That Precedes a Great Fall

He was the lead story on the national news.  When Jay Leno opened his monologue Monday evening and said his name, the audience applauded their approval.  Tuesday’s Today Show opened with his story.  His colleagues have called him “courageous.”  A Washington Post Reporter called him “brave.” Congressman Joseph Kennedy III said, “I’m so proud of him.”  He received calls of congratulations and commendation from past President Clinton, and President Obama.  Even his former fiancé said she was supportive and happy for him.
So who is he?  And what did do that is so wonderful?
He is Jason Collins.  A 34 year-old reserve center for the NBA Washington Wizards.  And he announced to the world on Monday that he is a homosexual.
Hours after Colin’s story appeared on ESPN and various web outlets, he posted on Twitter: ”All the support I have received today is truly inspirational. I knew that I was choosing the road less traveled but I’m not walking it alone.”
NBA Commissioner, David Stern, issued this statement, ”Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.”
Everyone from athletes to sport commentators to politicians were supporting and praising Collins. In fact, at the end of President Obama’s press conference on Tuesday, one the Reporters shouted, “Jason Collins!   Do you want to say anything about him?”
At that point Obama turned back to the lectern and used the Presidential “bully pulpit” to praise Collins as “a terrific young man.”  He said, “I told him that I couldn’t be prouder of him.”  He continued by talking about the progress of lesbians, homosexual and transgendered  people.  How they deserve more than tolerance, but acceptance.  He called Jason Collins “a role model” to young people today.  And then reminded us not to judge people on the basis of their sexual orientation.
Are we slouching toward Sodom and Gomorrah, or what?  I still find it difficult to comprehend the nonsense spouted off by learned, enlightened and otherwise rational people.  My grandparents who have been deceased for many years wouldn’t believe what is happening to the moral fabric and fiber of our country.
In just the past forty years we have moved from a moral standard that everyone accepted, to an anything goes no matter how twisted or bizarre. When I was a kid everyone knew the homosexuality was wrong.  Now we not only tolerate it.  We are proud of people for admitting it!  And hailing them as heroes and role models!  Unbelievable!
One person with the courage to speak the truth was ESPN analyst Chris Broussard on the show “Outside the Lines.” Regarding Jason Collin’s announcement he said,  “I’m a Christian. I don’t agree with homosexuality. I think it’s a sin, as I think all sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman is…. If you’re openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be … that’s walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ.”
Predictably left-wing bloggers and homosexual activists slammed Brossard for his “extreme views.”  One blogger complained, that it was “unclear why (Mr. Broussard’s opinion) was necessary or even relevant.”  Quickly ESPN apologized for Brossard’s commentary.   This about this.  People are proud of Collins.  But peeved at Broussard!
Yet, less we get overly discouraged, our day is simply a repeat of by gone eras.  This sin was pervasive in Sodom, Greece and Rome.
The prophet Isaiah lamented and warned in 800 BC.  “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;  Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! (Isa 5:20-21).
Right now while everyone from the Wizard’s point guard to President Obama is expressing how proud they are of Jason Collins, let me remind you of some words from Scripture:
“The Pride of your heart has deceived you…Prides goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

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