Sterling Speech

Two players had very early exits in the poker tournament we played Sunday.  As it happened, both of them were African-American men.

"Black folks were the first to donate," one joked after he went bust.

"You'll never own the Los Angeles Clippers with words like that," we said in response -- only half-jokingly.

Like it or not, the big sports story in recent days has been the firestorm over pro basketball team owner Donald Sterling -- now perhaps better called an "owner in limbo."  He's been banned from his team's games and may have to sell his franchise, for race-related comments he said in a phone call.

Why bring up this incident here?  Because we've known plenty of players over the years who like to talk about race at the poker table.  They might use the "N-word" to their friends, and justify it by noting they're African-American.  Others might use race-related "humor" in putdowns, a bit like Don Rickles without a censor.

Some people seem to get away with such language now, while others do not.  Yet mark these words, from Someone who was very careful with them:

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. - Matthew 12:36-37

We admittedly have stumbled with our own words at times (spoken and written), with costly results.  Jesus warns here wrong "careless" language will face an answer -- perhaps not now, but eventually.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. - II Corinthians 5:10

They don't have to be words or actions done in public, either.  Some say Donald Sterling was "set up" because a girlfriend recorded what he probably thought was a private phone conversation made in his own home.  Yet Jesus warns:

So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. - Matthew 10:26

.... your Father, who sees what it done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:18b

The Biblical evidence seems clear: there's no such thing as a "right to privacy" when it comes to God.  He can see all, and Jesus ultimately will judge all.  Given that knowledge, what are you saying about other people (or about God) - even when no one is watching or listening?