Do We Place Value on Teammates?

NBA free agency officially starts on Sunday night and there are countless rumors swirling around with every analyst giving their prediction on where the top players will end up next year. As players are making their decision on which team to choose, we know there are multiple factors as to why they want to sign or re-sign with a specific franchise. They consider the city where they have to live, the history of the franchise, the head coach, the size and length of their contract, and their chances for winning a championship. Although these are all important things to weigh while making a decision, sometimes one of the defining reasons a player chooses a team has to do with who his teammates will be. Players want to come alongside those who will make them better and create an atmosphere for winning. As all of these big free agent decisions are being made, they are ultimately determining what they value most. Some players will emphasize teammates and who they'll be around every day more than money or a city. They will choose to surround themselves with better players and complimentary personalities and styles. They will pick teammates they know are on the same page and heading in a similar direction. You and I may never duplicate the basketball decisions that free agents will make this upcoming week, but we can relate to making choices about the people we surround ourselves. We can make decisions about who we meet for lunch and who we see on weekends and who we share our day to day life with. Are we choosing "teammates" who are on the same page and heading in a similar direction? Of course, our family is important, but the friendships, mentors, and close work relationships we choose can have an impact on the trajectory our lives take. Are we investing our time in people who bring out the best in us? Are we truly growing because of the people we’ve placed in our circle? Which relationships are we investing our valuable time? Who do we need to call today? The Bible says in Proverbs 13:20 (ESV), “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV) tells us, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'” Let’s consider the "teammates" we're choosing in life and attempt to walk alongside wise people who point us toward Jesus and help us grow in the important areas of our lives. Today, let’s proactively recognize the value of embracing meaningful and worthwhile relationships that make us better. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that my time is limited and the people I choose to be with have a major impact on my life. Please lead me to relationships that draw me closer to You and help me grow in wisdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS: 1. Over the years, how much have you valued friendships? 2. In what ways can you intentionally invest in important friendships?