God's Coaching #155

God's Coaching #155

There’s no denying maple bars are delicious. But are they really this good? On June 4, 2010, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate and a friend made headlines for entering the Top Pot gourmet doughnut café in Bellevue, Washington, and eating some maple bars. No big deal, right?

Well, it is a big deal when it’s three in the morning and the shop is closed.

Top Pot was on the bottom floor of a residential building where Golden lived. Apparently, Golden and his buddy entered the bakery through a door that was left open and accessible to building residents. They saw some freshly baked maple bars and couldn’t resist a late-night sugar fix. A Top Pot baker working the night shift saw the two men and called Bellevue police, who only issued a warning for trespassing to Golden and his friend.

“A buddy made the mistake going in and grabbing a couple,” Golden later told reporters. “We ate them.” Golden admitted it was “a foolish mistake that won’t happen again.

“But,” he added, “If you ever want maple bars, that’s the place to go.”

What’s the Score?

Those must have been some really tasty maple bars. Why else would an NFL star with a contract worth $$326 million steal doughnuts in the middle of the night? The incident was so ridiculous it was almost laughable. But this is no laughing matter: we must choose our friends carefully. To hear Golden tell it, he followed his friend’s lead, and it got him in trouble. Why did Golden follow his friend into the café? Maybe Golden shouldn’t hang out with guys who have no problem breaking the law. He should’ve known better.

We should know better too. The Bible, especially the book of Proverbs, is filled with warnings about associating with fools. In fact, Proverbs 13:20 warns us: “Associate with fools and get in trouble.” God knows how easily others can influence us, and he wants us to make wise decisions in life. Choose your friends carefully. Don’t assume you can hang out with troublemakers and be unaffected by them. You might think you can change them for the better, but most likely they will change you for the worse. Avoid fools, and befriend people who will help you grow in godliness. It’s not always easy, but it pleases your heavenly Father and helps you avoid trouble in life.

On the Ball

Think about your friends. Are you mixed up with any troublemakers? If so, talk to your parents or a trusted adult about how to honor God with your friendships.

Coach’s Comment

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20