The Golden State Warriors are having an incredible season, and tonight they have an opportunity to break the regular-season record with 73 wins. This past Sunday when they beat the Spurs to get their 72nd win, they also made history with two truly impressive achievements. The Warriors are the only team in NBA history to go an entire season without losing back-to-back games, according to Elias Sports Bureau research. Additionally, the Warriors are the first team in NBA history to finish a season without losing to the same team more than once. Staying motivated to win all year long, even while getting every team's best effort each night, is truly amazing. Never losing back-to-back games shows how disciplined, determined, and accountable this team is. Even when they slip up and play a bad game, they don’t let one loss lead to a losing streak. Regardless of the pressure and attention that is placed on them, they stick together as players and coaches. They prove they can keep playing at a high level – especially after a loss. There have only been nine losses all season, but once a team figures out a way to beat them, the Warriors make sure it doesn’t happen again. The Warriors' success this season is not only about having talent on the floor. They have the character that is needed to learn from losses, keep the losses rare, and win 72 games. I believe we can find a parallel in our own lives when it comes to dealing with sin. We have times when we take our eyes off Jesus and do our own thing. As a result, we either slip up or fall or lose a battle. Like the Warriors, the key is not letting one mistake lead to another and to avoid back-to-back losses. When something trips us up, we need to acknowledge it, ask for forgiveness, and bring our attention back to Jesus. We aren’t perfect, but if we learn from our mistakes and remain disciplined, determined, and accountable, then we can make sure the losses are rare. Thankfully, the Bible gives us the promise in 1 John 1:9 (ESV) that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Today when considering the sin in our lives, let’s not allow the same sin to beat us over and over again. By trusting Jesus for forgiveness and strength, we can keep winning the battles we face each day...like Warriors. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know there are many times when I take my eyes off of you and really blow it. Please help me to own it when I do, come to You for forgiveness, and trust that You will cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I ask, Lord, that in Your strength I keep moving forward to win the daily battles I face...and strive to become the Warrior you've created me to be. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
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