Last week’s trade deadline led to some dramatic changes for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they’ve won every game since. They started the year with a roster of aging All-Stars and former MVPs, but the chemistry became a major issue.
Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Rose, and Dwyane Wade were not a good fit, and Cleveland’s management knew they had to turn the roster upside down. By trading for Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Rodney Hood, and George Hill, the team is now younger, more athletic, and better defensively.
Cleveland's objective in improving their roster was surrounding LeBron James with the right players. He’s still the best player in the league, but needs to have shooters around him and players who fit as teammates.
LeBron seems to enjoy the new guys out on the floor, and appears to be invigorated. Just over a week ago, it was all doom and gloom in Cleveland and the season was heading in the wrong direction. Now, with a roster that is already clicking and making each other better, the Cavs are once again on track for a successful season.
As ideal as it is for a superstar like LeBron to be surrounded by the right teammates, it’s also imperative that we surround ourselves with the right people.
When choosing our friends and the people we spend time with, we must consider if they are the “right fit.”
Are we regularly surrounding ourselves with the kind of relationships that make us thrive, and point us toward success and greatness in the important areas of our lives? Or are we spending time with people who drag us down...suck the life out of us...and cause us to be negative?
Do we end up being around those who lead us to sin and take the conversations to unfruitful places? Or do we seek out people who draw us closer to Jesus and cause us to have a deeper faith and understanding of Him?
The Bible warns us about those we surround ourselves. 1 Corinthians15:33 (ESV) says, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'”
Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) gives us this challenge: “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”
Although there is only a small sample size for the Cavs, it’s evident that surrounding LeBron with the right players has been positive.
Today, let’s choose to spend time with the right people. Let's seek out those who encourage, inspire, and challenge us to be committed followers of Jesus...and truly make us wise and better in all areas of our lives.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please reveal to me the friends I should pursue and spend more time with. I pray I’d be with people that make me better and point me toward You. Please fill my life with great people. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Comments