In recent years, the NBA All-Star game had become a joke with players taking it too casually and making it unwatchable for fans.

The players had been letting each other dunk without any defense, and didn’t place an emphasis on winning. Although only an exhibition game, fans still wanted to see actual basketball being played.

Thankfully, the NBA heard the criticism from fans and former players who raised concerns about the game. As a result, the League addressed the issues, discussed ideas with players like LeBron James, and decided to make some changes.

Last night’s game provided an intriguing matchup between a team drafted by LeBron James and a roster picked by Steph Curry. The new format lived up to the hype by delivering exactly what the fans wanted – more defense, increased effort, and a clear desire to win.

Team LeBron was losing by double-digits, but put together an exciting comeback to win 148-145. Curry had a chance to tie it on the final play, but LeBron and Kevin Durant’s defense was too intense for him to get off a shot.

The fans were the big winners last night, as it was awesome seeing a court filled with All-Stars going back and forth in a game that came down to the wire.

The NBA and its players acknowledged that the game couldn’t remain the same, and were willing to make the necessary changes. Instead of being stubborn and closed-minded, they listened to the critiques and concerns, and worked on solutions to improve the old format.

In our own lives, each of us have problems, flaws, and issues that need to be addressed. When others raise concerns and challenge us on these things, we can be stubborn and remain the same…or we can confess to the things we’ve done wrong and admit our lives need transformation.

Our lives as followers of Jesus should be marked by our willingness to repent and turn from our former way of doing things. Our character should always be growing, as we become more mature believers with a deeper understanding of God’s Word. As we confess and surrender, we can rely on Jesus to change us from the inside-out.

Proverbs 28:13 (NLT) explains, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”

Today, let’s keep moving forward as we follow the words of Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT): “…Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to be different and more like Jesus. I don’t want to be stubborn and unwilling to change. I pray You’d show me the areas of my life that need adjusting, and help me surrender to You for the transformation that needs to takes place. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.