The new NBA season is about to begin and the Washington Wizards have one of the more talented rosters in the Eastern Conference. Last year, however, they underachieved by finishing 8th and losing in the first round of the playoffs.
Most of the same players are returning, but if they want to improve this season, there is a major issue they will have to address.
NBA.com has an article that explains how the Wizards played well against the top teams during the regular season, but when it was time to play the teams at the bottom of the standings, they weren’t as good.
The article states, “Among the 18 teams that finished with winning records last season, the Wizards had the worst record (20-15) against the 12 teams that finished with losing records.”
What this means is they focused on “big games," but downplayed their lesser opponents.
When players think they'll have an easy win, they may decide not to prepare as well or take the night off so to speak. Of course, a win is a win and a loss is a loss, regardless of how important a team views a particular game. The losses can pile up if games aren't taken seriously or are played too casually against certain opponents.
Unfortunately, a similar mindset can take over when it comes to our view of certain sins and commandments in the Bible. At times, don't we all take particular sins lightly and casually downplay the importance of obedience in those areas?
Aren't we more prepared to win against the "big games" like murder, lying, and stealing, but regard our fight against lust, greed, gluttony, envy, and drunkenness not as big of a deal?
There are definitely topics that God's Word emphasizes more than others, and it's true the consequences of breaking some commandments have a greater effect on ourselves and others, but sin is sin.
Just like NBA players are influenced by the media as to how they consider the importance of certain opponents, we can be convinced by society that some “opponents” aren’t worthy of our concern.
If we want to truly honor God, follow His ways, and be a light in this world, we can’t pick and choose when we take obedience seriously. We either desire to do His will, know His word, and rely on His strength...or we choose to pursue our selfish desires and view sin as no big deal.
The wisdom of Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) reminds us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
We need to make sure our heart is in the right place and fully devoted to God, so we can maintain a deep desire for obedience. We’re not going to go undefeated, but we can rest in God’s grace and forgiveness when we surrender to Jesus.
Today, let's allow the words of Psalm 119:9-11 (AMP) to help us take an inventory of our heart and give us the right perspective toward all sin and every opponent - not just the ones we view as easy to win:
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping watch according to Your Word . With all my heart I have sought You, ; do not let me wander from Your commandments . Your Word I have treasured and stored in my heart, that I may not sin against You.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not taking Your Word and Your clear commandments as seriously as I should. Please show me the areas I need to surrender, and give me a passion for obedience as I consider the undeserving grace and love You show me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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