College basketball has missed Duke’s Zion Williamson for the previous six games, but last night he reminded basketball fans why he’s one of the most special players to ever enter college basketball.
After recovering from a knee injury, he returned to the floor and went 13 for 13 from the field, scoring 29 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
He is a must-watch player who lives up to the hype while exceeding expectations. Commentators are struggling to come up with new superlatives and different ways to describe what he accomplishes when he plays.
Not everyone is a Duke fan, but a player like Zion doesn't come along very often, so it's hard not to appreciate him...and even find him likable.
As I watched him last night, these are the qualities that jumped out to me the most:
He's a clear difference maker as he impacts every aspect of the game. His presence is felt when he’s on the floor and it’s missed when he’s on the bench.
He brings energy, passion, and intensity - the whole atmosphere of the game changes because of it.
He makes his teammates better and they’re able to thrive because of him. He raises the bar for what Duke is capable of accomplishing.
He could have shut it down and prepared for the NBA, but instead, he wants to keep playing because he loves playing for Duke and loves his teammates.
He actually enjoys basketball and lets it show by smiling and cheering.
He gives his all, fights for the ball, and puts himself in the right position for rebounds and alley-oops.
These are all respectable skills and traits any coach would love to have his player represent, but beyond the court, what if we actually lived our lives in a similar way?
At work, in our communities, and in our families are we a difference maker? Are we making an impact on others? Are the love and light of Christ shining through us as it says in Matthew 5:16 (AMP)?
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Do we enjoy life and show it by smiling and cheering? Do we positively change the atmosphere when we're around? Are we living with energy, passion, and intensity as we pursue God’s will?
After all, Philippians 2:13-14 (NLT) reminds us “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Do everything without complaining and arguing…”
Do we give our all and seek to be in the right position for God to use us? Do we love God and others above ourselves and make those around us better?
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11; NLT).
As we watch Zion and Duke take on UNC tonight, and admire the way he plays, let’s consider how we can incorporate a similar attitude and approach into how we live our lives.
Let’s stand out as difference-makers and people who others are drawn to because they see God shining through us.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to live my life with energy, passion, and love as I make an impact on others for Your glory. I pray I’d stand out because people sense Your presence in my life. I’m nothing without You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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