When the Dallas Mavericks hired Jason Kidd to become their next head coach in June of 2021 (after the departure of Rick Carlisle), the big question was how Kidd and superstar, Luka Doncic, would get along. With Doncic and Carlisle having a tumultuous relationship, the Mavericks organization hoped this would change when Kidd, who was a member of the Mavs' 2011 championship team, came to town. Thankfully, despite Doncic tending to lose his temper and disagree with coaching decisions, and Kidd being criticized for previous head coaching roles, they have developed a strong relationship. One of the reasons for this is Kidd relating to Doncic as a former player. Mavs assistant coach, Igor Kokoskov, explained in an interview with The Dallas Morning News, “Luka respects his career and what he did in this league. A lot of things Jason did 20, 25 years ago, Luka is wanting to achieve right now. He understands that and is very open, willing to listen, willing to get better, willing to be coached.” Another reason for their solid relationship is Kidd's willingness to adapt his coaching style to gain more success. Kidd has developed a culture where the players' input and opinions are valued. This is a significant change from operating more like a drill sergeant in his previous head coaching roles. How does this parallel our lives as followers of Jesus? The word relatability means “easy to understand and feel connected to” and adaptability is defined as “the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.” These characteristics provide tremendous value for a head coach, but they also translate into our own lives. We desire to love others and connect with them for eternal purposes. When we consider what Jesus has done in our lives, we want others to experience the same freedom that comes from surrendering to Him. We desire others to know Him and follow Him. In order to have these conversations with people, being relatable and adaptable is very important. We need to be easy to understand as we find a commonality that people can connect with. Of course, we stay grounded in truth, but we adjust how we present it based on who we’re speaking to. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians chapter 9 about his experience adapting to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. Verse 22 says, “When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” Jason Kidd uses his relatability and adaptability to win basketball games, but we can use these same qualities to develop authentic relationships that win others to Christ. Let’s take on the challenge to find common ground with others as we really listen and genuinely care about them. Let’s earn their respect and be the kind of people who know how to connect well with everyone, so they can truly see Christ living in us. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, show me ways to be more relatable and adaptable to the people I interact with. Please help me find common ground with others so that doors will open to share the gospel. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
How have you seen someone relate to others well in order to share the Gospel?
Do you have a relationship that needs you to adapt so you can better share the truth of God's Word?
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