In 1999, Sports Illustrated named Bill Russell as the greatest basketball player in history. He had helped the Boston Celtics win 11 titles and served as coach for two years. Russell says he was shaped with values from his parents. His father taught him to always accept responsibility for his actions, to respect his father and mother, and to give back more in work than he is paid. His mother said to him, “You will meet people who don’t like you—on sight. And there is nothing you can do about it, so don’t worry. Just be yourself. You are no better than anyone else, but no one is better than you are.” These values helped to shape Russell. Sadly, the sons of Eli ignored God’s moral standards even though their father was the high priest in ancient Israel. We read this in 1 Samuel chapter 2: “Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord or for their duties as priests.” These scoundrels, leaders of their nation, violated God’s righteous standards and were eventually removed from office. Leaders today—whether in their family, church, business, or the political realm—must be very careful lest they violate their office and mislead the public.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
