Lazy but Talented

This isn't a joke. Nike, a corporate agent for motivation and hard work, encouraging people to "just do it", is now sportin' the pictured tee in their lineup.  I saw a teenage girl at the mall a few nights ago rockin' this shirt.  Apparently, Nike is concerned about appealing to a new cross-section of people.  They've appealed to the "live strongs", now they want to appeal to the "do nothings".

Seeing that shirt, I can't help but feel burdened.  Its such a sad commentary on our American culture.  And I'm not just talking about sports.  Sure, there are a lot of athletes, like the Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant, who seem to subscribe to the philosophy of talent over hard work, but this same story plays itself out in all aspects of life.  There are brilliant minds who waste them in apathy.  There are new generations of successful entrepreneurs who will never be born, because patience seems to be an attribute of the past.  There are talented artists who waste their gift in pornography.  Sure, we could probably say this commentary rang true of every generation past in some regards.  However, its never been something to be proud of......until now.

Laziness and cockiness were shameful traits for the most part.  Now, our culture seems to be okay with them.  Problem being, the more we're okay with it, the faster we'll decline.  Ultimately, this is a spiritual issue.  Its no coincidence that our economy continues to suffer, and other countries are surpassing our once great nation.  Sports aren't as good as they used to be because the athletes aren't as good.....just look at the NBA compared to 20 years ago.  

Spiritually, our culture is self-consumed instead of God-consumed.  The care for the betterment of others is absent, unless it gives people an opportunity to rock a trendy cause, bracelet, or shirt.  Pride has risen so high, that we've blinded ourselves to what true greatness really looks like.  First of all, use common sense.  Look at the people that are considered great in sports, business, or in life.  Do you think for a minute, that they ever subscribed to a motto of "lazy but talented"?  If they said they did, they're lying.  Talent can only take you so far.  Hard work must enter into the picture.  Ultimately, God must enter into the picture.  Its only when we admit that we are weak, that we can truly be brought to heights of greatness, because God is great.  We need God's strength!

Please don't wear this Nike shirt around me.  You'll put me on a soap box and probably get more than you bargained for.  Do yourself a favor.  Toss the shirt, pursue God, and get to work.  Seriously, just do it!

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2