By Matt Osborne, Staff Writer
If you’re a casual NBA fan who hasn’t looked at the standings in a while, you might be caught off guard by the top two seeds in the Western Conference.
In a conference loaded with veteran teams, star power, and potential title contenders, it’s surprising that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder are currently leading the pack.
Heading into this season, Minnesota experienced significant defensive struggles for over a decade. The last time the Timberwolves finished in the top half of the league in opponent’s points per game was in the 2012-13 regular season when they tied for 15th.
But the Timberwolves have shown remarkable progress as they are presently the best defensive team in the league by a decent margin (2.5 points per game better than any other team).
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City entered the campaign with the second-youngest roster in the NBA (ahead of only San Antonio), with the average age of its players being just over 24 years old.
A young roster in the NBA almost always equates to a poor record, but the Thunder have managed to flip the script in a major way. Oklahoma City boasts a 38-17 record, even though its top eight scorers are 25 or younger.
There’s no denying that the Timberwolves and the Thunder have made noticeable progress this season, and teams around the league, as well as fans, have taken notice.
As followers of Jesus, it should be the desire of our hearts to make progress that people notice when it comes to our faith and character.
Since we are all “works in progress,” one of the best witnesses we can have to the world is demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives each day.
In an attempt to encourage his friend, Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:15 (NIV), “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.”
Paul earnestly desired that Timothy’s progress in the faith would be noticed by both non-believers and believers alike. This hope wasn’t prompted by pride or selfish ambition, but by wanting non-believers to know more about the God who was producing this progress, and similarly seek after progress in their own lives.
One of the best opportunities for witnessing to those around us is progressing in our areas of weakness and experiencing significant transformation.
As we demonstrate noticeable progress through God’s grace, power, and strength (especially in areas where we previously struggled), people see what is different in our lives.
Of course, making this noticeable progress requires surrender, intentionality, practice, and discipline. We must earnestly seek God and the strength He provides, and then passionately walk in His ways.
Today, let’s commit to being people who yearn for noticeable progress in our lives. Although we can’t do it in our own strength, we know God is faithful to supply us with everything we need when we humble ourselves and wholeheartedly follow Him.
I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me noticeably demonstrate progress in my areas of weakness. Although I can’t do this in my strength, thank you for faithfully supplying me with all I need to be a powerful witness of Your goodness and transforming power. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
