Building Up

Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors are having a historic NBA season and everyone is taking notice. Curry’s 3-point shooting ability is extremely elite and his overall skills as a player are being admired by many fans, media, and other players. However, some former players have decided to raise doubts and point out flaws instead. While comparing to the era they played in or the team they played for, they have criticized how the Warriors stack up in a historical context. They have mentioned how the Warriors’ opponents are weak with bad coaching, have questioned Curry’s defense, and have even said, “We would’ve beat ‘em. We had more heart.” We recognize in sports culture there are debates about who is great and who isn’t, and who would beat who if they played against each other. I understand the fun that’s involved in those conversations, but it gets old when fans, media, former players, and coaches tear down players or teams with unnecessary criticism and discouraging comments. When it comes to our own lives, I think we can be guilty of criticizing or pointing out flaws in our friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Even when they are doing something well, we find something negative to point out. Whether we do this behind their backs or to their faces, and whether we admit it or not, our mentality is to bring others down in order to make ourselves look and feel better. The Bible says, in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT), “So encourage each other and build each other up…” This simple verse is a challenge for us to be encouragers…to build each other up in faith while pointing them to Jesus. Today, let’s consider how we respond to the success and failures of others. Are we cheering them on to not give up? Are we complimenting them when they are doing well? Are we reassuring them when they are down? Even before offering honest advice or criticism, let’s check our motives and heart behind what we say so that it ends up being loving. As followers of Jesus, let’s represent a life of encouragement and motivate others in love. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for my negative and critical thoughts of other people. Forgive me for trying to bring others down so that I appear better. Please help me to be an active encourager and someone who shows my love by building others up. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.