Before the NBA season started, most fans expected the Golden State Warriors to cruise to another championship. They still might win it all, but things haven’t been clicking the same way they have in the past.
Head coach, Steve Kerr, is trying different ways to motivate and challenge his players to be more focused for the upcoming playoffs.
Last week the Warriors lost by 20 points to the Pacers, and Kerr voiced some strong words after the game: "I think just caring - caring in general - was the main problem."
He was frustrated after a tough loss, but his players probably weren’t thrilled to hear their coach say they don't care.
Kerr ended up clarifying his perspective on Sunday before they bounced back and beat the Suns: “I probably chose my words poorly in Indianapolis. When I said they didn't care, that didn't mean that they didn't 'care.' What that meant to me was they didn't box out.
"They didn't get in the passing lanes. They didn't compete at a high level. But when you say someone doesn't care, that can be interpreted as maybe you're questioning their character.”
Softening his criticism is all semantics at this point, but the core of his message is clear. He wants to see his players demonstrate they care by boxing out and playing defense.
In both sports and life, nobody likes being questioned about not caring. However, action and follow through usually indicate true feelings.
If we say we care about our job but are lazy and late all the time, it doesn’t add up. If we say we care about serving our spouse but don't do the little things to put their needs ahead of our own, do we really care?
We can come across that we care about the struggles of our family and friends, but if we never pray with them, encourage them, or check in, do we genuinely care?
Galatians 6:2 (NLT) says, "Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
As followers of Jesus, we should be known for our love and our authentic care for people. When we say we genuinely care, then our actions should reveal this is true.
Furthermore, we’re called to care for the poor. So instead of giving lip service about how concerned we are for them, let’s make sure we follow through.
We are given a great challenge in 1 John 3:17-18 (NLT): "If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
Today, let’s love God and love others by showing we truly care about His Word and His people. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that sometimes I say I care about things but don’t follow through. Please show me ways to genuinely care about what’s important to You. I ask that my actions reveal a true heart change. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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