The Boston Celtics knocked out the reigning NBA Champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, with an impressive Game 7 performance, winning 109-81. The Bucks appeared to run out of gas while the Celtics had multiple guys step up and contribute to the series win. Boston demonstrated balance and depth, but rising superstar, Jayson Tatum, clearly led them. The 24-year-old is in his fifth NBA season and this year he doubled his average points per game from his rookie season (13.9-26.9). These playoffs have been a test for him to see if he could take the next step as an elite NBA star, and this series turned out to prove that he’s ready. During the series, Tatum averaged 27.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1 steal, and 1.1 blocks per game. In Game 6, he stepped up when his team needed him to score and finished with 46 points as he shot 7 of 15 from the 3-point line to go along with 9 rebounds and 4 assists. After extending the series (thanks to his scoring outburst), he helped clinch the Game 7 win with his passing and handing out 8 assists while only shooting 14 times. His ability to know whether it was better to pass or shoot was on display in this matchup against the Bucks. Following the game on NBA TV, broadcaster Matt Winer explained, " has read the game incredibly well the last two games. When they needed him to score when they identified mismatches in game 6 he did that, tonight he was a distributor…he found the 3-point shooters.” I think Winer points to a valuable asset the great players have, and that is being able to “read the game” and know when to take certain shots, understand what the team needs from them, and do the right thing at the right time. This got me thinking about how important it is for us to “read the game” in our own lives or, in other words, “read the room,” see what’s really happening with someone, and have discernment. The book of wisdom explains how valuable this is in Proverbs 3:21-24 (NLT): "My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.” It’s so valuable when we’re able to make wise decisions, identify the best way to help our teammates, know what they need from us, understand how to approach certain situations, and do the right thing at the right time. Discernment allows us to know when to “shoot or pass.” This practically plays out when we can “read the game” to know when someone needs encouragement and a compliment or tough love and honest feedback. Discernment is especially important when our spouse either needs us to be quiet and listen or needs an answer and a solution to their problem...and when our kids either need firm discipline or our loving grace. Ultimately, our ability to discern effectively or read a situation well happens as a result of growing spiritually as followers of Jesus. Thanks to the Holy Spirit within us, He provides us wisdom and insight to help us make proper determinations and see beyond what’s tangible or obvious. He gives us the spiritual discernment to understand God’s Word, which allows us to know what’s right and wrong as well as the difference between truth and lies. Hosea 14:9 (AMP) says, “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning and understanding, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble and fall in them.” NBA players become great when they can “read the game” and this develops the more time they’re on the court, the more they intentionally study film, and the more aware they become of each person on the floor. Likewise, we can have great discernment as we spiritually develop and mature in our faith because of the time we spend with God in fellowship, intentionally studying His Word, and the more aware we become of each person we interact with. Today, let’s declare to God, “I am Your servant; give me discernment that I may understand Your statutes.” (Psalm 119:125; NIV) As we ask God for discernment, He'll provide us wisdom and insight to know what His best is. Then when He reveals something to us, we lean into His promptings and obey. Lastly, as Paul prays this prayer in Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV), let’s pray it for ourselves and others: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me discernment, wisdom, and insight. Thank you for Your generosity and willingness to give me such valuable things. I desire Your best in my life and I need You to help me see things from an eternal perspective. Help me provide what those around me need at different times and help me to know the difference. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Do you have an example of when you discerned someone needed you and you leaned into the prompting?
How has your ability to discern well grown as you've matured spiritually?
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