Sunday, August 29, 1999
Boosters and booze a thousand times nooo!!

By DR. KNOX HERNDON
Pastor

I hope you read the article on the front page of The Citizen newspaper Wednesday, Aug. 25, entitled, “Boosters + Beer = Big Bucks.” In this article it laid out the expenses and funds needed to support the high school sports teams and the difficulty in raising funds, which I'm sure is very true.

I am the pastor of a small but growing church and I also know the need for funds for land and buildings and the difficulty in raising funds.

My parents taught me when I was very young that you never shake hands with the devil and get a good deal. I was also taught that you never do right by doing wrong and you never do wrong by doing right!

I want the very best for our high schools and certainly for our sports teams. In fact, I have two of my children that attend Fayette High School. I feel parents need to take a stand at every junction every time where moral and ethical issues are at stake in relation to our children.

Many will disagree with this next statement, but I would rather see a smaller funded sports program and less flashy uniforms and even older equipment and even less trips taken by our teams then to drop down to the level of selling alcohol in the name of our children's sports programs.

Don't think our children aren't watching us as parents each and every day. It speaks a far louder message as to how we live then what we say to our children. How in the remotest sense could we sell beer in the “name of the children and their sports programs” and then tell them it's wrong to drink the stuff? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that this does not pass too many logic tests.

Some churches fall into the same pit with the “get a crowd at any cost” mentality and become entertainment centers for all to feel good. There is not a shred of “denial of self and the picking up of one's cross” and carrying it anywhere!

Remember when Satan was tempting Jesus while he was in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights? He said to Jesus, “Jump off the temple and your angels will carry you down to safety.” Is it worth it to see the sinless Son of God do tricks for Satan and the world?

A thousand times no to the sale of beer or any other socially accepted drug, especially when wrapped in the "“we're doing it for the kids” mentality.

Folks, we don't have too many morals and ideals left that haven't been trampled upon by this kind of thinking. The end does not justify the means.

Rise up and register your faith.

[Please note: Our church has moved to the American Legion Log Cabin in Fayetteville!)

[Dr. Knox Herndon is the pastor of His House Community Church (SBC) and a substitute school teacher in the Fayette County school system, and a former Army chaplain. The church is currently meeting in the American Legion Log Cabin across from the fountain on the Square in Fayetteville.

Prayer line is 770-719-2365; e-mail to Khern2365@aol.com.]

 


What do you think of this story?
Click here to send a message to the editor. Click here to post an opinion on our Message Board, "The Citizen Forum"

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page