This year’s NBA All-Star Weekend was really fun to watch with the dunk contest showcasing incredible athleticism…the 3-point shootout highlighting the best shooters in the league…and the actual All-Star Game paying tribute to Kobe Bryant. 
 
However, above all the entertainment and memorable moments, the close-knit atmosphere of the NBA family is what stood out most to me. It was cool to see the love expressed between players, including legends like Bill Russell and Oscar Robertson sitting front row cheering on the young guys, and TV personalities Shaq and Barkley giving respect to the current stars while interviewing them.
 
Watching the current and former players interact and relate to each other during all of the weekend’s festivities, revealed how much they value being together and appreciate being part of the National Basketball Association. This kind of bond caused me to reflect on the importance of fellowship in our own lives. It’s crucial to recognize the value of being included in God’s family, and not miss out on the joy and encouragement that comes from interacting with other followers of Jesus.
 
The Bible reinforces this in Hebrews 10:24-25: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.”

NBA players experience a life that only they truly understand, so they connect like a family and enjoy being united. As followers of Jesus, we have a unique outlook on life that should prompt us to live out our faith journey with other like-minded believers. By meeting together at church and sharing daily joys and struggles, we can have the encouragement and support we need to remain faithful to God.

Our shared common bond, rooted in Christ, enables us to experience a very powerful connection…one that should be embraced instead of neglected. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!