The Boston Celtics are in a tough spot right now as they’ve lost four games in a row since the All-Star break. This is the time of year that the top teams take their game up a notch in preparation for the playoffs, but it seems like Boston is going in the opposite direction.
Players are paid to compete hard, help their team win, and perform on the court. Their other responsibility is being available to the fans and media.
After games, they are expected to answer questions and share their thoughts on what took place that night. They decide how to respond knowing that the fans and media will dissect everything they say.
Recently, Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving has been very intriguing to listen to after each loss. There are clearly issues in the locker room and the team doesn't seem connected. The Celtics don’t appear to be playing with the same energy, passion, and effort.
When facing the media, Irving’s answers have been deflecting, dismissive, and empty. These are a few of his comments:
“What kind of question is that?"
"Nah."
"Next question."
"I don’t know."
"It’s up to Brad."
"That’s Marcus’ opinion.”
There's no denying that being questioned after consecutive losses is annoying (especially during a tumultuous stretch of the season), but everyone is just trying to figure out what's really going on with this talented Celtics team.
I think in life, questions are a good thing. Knowing that Jesus asked a lot of questions throughout the Bible, we can look at His example and find value in being inquisitive.
When unpacking Irving's interaction with the media, we can be challenged to consider how we personally view asking and answering questions within our community of friends and family.
During difficult times in our lives, we're probably more likely to give short responses like “I don’t know” or "Next question.” But, when faced with this situation, why do we hold back and not answer with more details? Are we hesitant to express the pain we're truly feeling...or are we hiding sin in our lives and don't want others to know the full story?
On the flip side, when asking close friends or family questions that get to the bottom of what’s really going on in their lives, are we afraid to “pry” or “get in their business?” Do we think they don’t want to talk about their problems, so we avoid going deeper?
As followers of Jesus, we want to live in healthy fellowship with other believers and be great listeners. In order to do this, we must care deeply for one another and go beyond the surface.
How can we specifically pray for them and fully be there if we don’t know how they truly feel? We have to be willing to ask and answer the tough questions in order to grow and get through trials and struggles with sin.
The following two scriptures can help us navigate these difficult conversations:
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another , and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much " (James 5:16; AMP).
"Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1-2; NLT).
Today, let’s implement a willingness to ask and answer questions in order to break down walls...experience healing...and give and receive the support we so desperately need.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me do a better job of caring for people by being willing to ask them tough questions, so I can understand what’s truly going on in their lives. Also, make me aware of the need to be open and honest in confessing my own sin. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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