College basketball is back! Although it's enjoyable watching the highly touted freshmen on the floor with their impressive athleticism and untapped potential, they're still developing and learning the game.
Quite often, college basketball players take bad shots. I saw one guy drive the lane and shoot a ridiculously off-balanced layup. The announcer responded with, “Just because a shot is close to the basket, it doesn’t mean it’s a good shot.”
Of course, getting into the paint and near the basket is great, but if the player's not able to have a good look because of the defense or can’t get a proper shot off, then the team doesn't benefit.
The same is true when a player has an open shot beyond the three-point line. Just because there's no defender around him, the shot might not be the best to take at that point in the game.
A player could say, “I was wide open and freed up to take that shot,” but it may not be the most advantageous shot for the team. A coach could even allow him to take threes, but at that time and location on the floor, it isn't always worthwhile.
This reminds me of the choices we make as followers of Jesus. The truth is, we are given freedom and salvation based on Christ's work on the cross. We're no longer trapped by legalism or works-based religion and are shown grace despite our fatal flaws.
Grace and freedom are incredible gifts, but we have to realize that just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should. We may be “open for a 3” or “close to the basket,” but neither is a “good shot” because they're not beneficial to the team or may negatively affect someone.
During the time of the New Testament, people were trying to understand what they should or shouldn't eat. They were used to the sacrificial system, but Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice and changed all of that.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:23 (AMP), "All things are lawful , but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive and edifying .”
Ultimately, making decisions about food, drinks, hobbies, and activities don’t affect our salvation, but they can impact our lives and those around us. We may enjoy certain things that are morally fine to do, but they might not have real value, purpose, or lasting benefits.
We are free to do them, but they may not be God's best for us and others. That's why we have to approach these “shots” with wisdom and discernment and from the perspective found in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (NIV):
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to be obedient while also living in freedom. I don’t want to be trapped by legalism and I want to bring glory to You in all that I say and do. Help me to know what is Your best for me and those around me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is something in your life that you feel is fine to do, but doesn't really add meaning or have a real benefit?
What is an area of your life where you need to experience freedom from your legalism?
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