Usually, when we talk about the Golden State Warriors we focus on their unbelievable 3-point shooting and how Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are all-time great shooters. Curry has gotten off to a strong start through two games in the NBA Finals scoring 34 points followed by 29 points, but last night in Game 2, it was all about his defense. His individual performance on that end of the floor, along with his teammates having his back with their defensive intensity, allowed the Warriors to shut down the Celtics, holding them to 88 points. With three of the Celtics' starters, Al Horford, Robert Williams III, and Marcus Smart, outrageously making only one basket each, the credit goes to the Warriors for their strategy and intentional effort to effectively guard the Celtics. Heading into the NBA Finals, we knew these were the top two defensive teams, and we’ve already seen each team shine with their stout defenses. The Celtics mounted an impressive comeback in the 4th quarter of Game 1 because of their defense, while the Warriors pulled away in the 3rd quarter of Game 2 thanks to their lockdown defense. We always hear, “defense wins championships,” and that should hold up to be true in this series. The key to the remaining games will come down to which team defends the basket better, guards their opponent with more effort, and stands firm when the other team tries to penetrate the lane. The outcome of this series will be determined by who defends the pick and roll better, who will do a better job of quickly switching and rotating, who won’t let their guard down when the pressure rises, and who will remain in a better position to stop the other team from attacking the rim. Sure, we’ll keep watching for the exciting 3-point shooting, but let’s take notice of the defense being played by both teams and their willingness to place an emphasis on that aspect of the game. When it comes to living as followers of Jesus, we must not overlook how important a stout defense is when it comes to guarding against sin. In our own lives, there's so much temptation around us while bitterness, anger, lust, and negativity are attempting to enter our hearts. Similar to basketball, we need strategy and intentional effort to implement an effective defense so we can stand firm when the enemy attempts to “attack the rim.” Our best defense against letting sin take over is to guard our hearts by seeking God and knowing His Word. We have to "guard the basket" by individually becoming strong defenders with the help of the Holy Spirit while also relying on our teammates to have our back when the wrong things try to penetrate our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) tells us to "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” We have to be willing to “switch or rotate,” so we can remain in the right position to defend well and “not let our guard down” when life's pressures rise and the allures of the world "come down the lane." Luke 21:34 (AMP) warns us, “But be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the nausea of self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life…” Matthew 15:18-19 (NLT) says, "But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander." So today, let's be encouraged to guard our hearts and pursue a formidable defense against sin as we keep the wrong things out and pursue a heart after God's own heart. And if our defense has previously been weak, let's tighten it up and pray, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10; AMP). I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me guard my heart and stand firm against the temptations of this world. I pray I would keep my heart protected against self-indulgence and the worries of life. I desire to have a heart after Yours and I want to love You with all of my heart. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways are you guarding your heart and in what ways does your defense need to tighten up?
What type of behavior have you noticed come out as a result of something you've allowed to penetrate your heart?
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