As sports fans, we rarely witness an historically great player. Each year we watch good players, but every so often there is a once-in-a-generation athlete who enters the sports landscape. LeBron James is that player in the NBA. Clearly, he's extraordinarily talented with the ability to perform at a high level in multiple areas on the floor. However, he has struggled with free-throw shooting throughout his illustrious career, and this past season he actually shot his lowest percentage (67.4) from the line.
LeBron could easily blow off his struggles at the line (considering how elite he is at every other facet of his game), but he has humbled himself by seeking the advice of his teammate, Kyle Korver.Korver has a high percentage from the free throw line, and is one of the best shooters in the game. As great as LeBron is, he is committed to working on the weak area of his game.
This is what Korver said after LeBron asked him for help: “I think you’ve got to give LeBron a lot of credit for being open to changing something. One of the things I really respect most about him since coming here, is just how hard he works and how hard he prepares, how open he is to being coached. It just says a lot about him.”
In our own lives, we all have shortcomings and areas of weakness. Often we downplay them and make no effort to improve, but when we’re willing to ask for advice from those with strength, the result is tremendous growth.
The key is being willing to admit our struggles...being open to change...and being humble enough to acknowledge someone else is able to assist us.
As followers of Jesus, we develop character when we seek wisdom from people who can guide us in overcoming sin and weakness. There is great value in allowing people to give us Biblical counsel and practical instruction, and share how God has changed them from the inside-out.
The Bible consistently explains the importance of this in our lives. Proverbs 12:15 (ESV) tells us, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
We know the best wisdom is rooted in God and His Word. James 1:5 (ESV) encourages us to understand that ”If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Today, let’s stop pretending that we have it all figured out. Instead, let's put aside our pride, and ask God and others for help. Truth be told, even the "best" are willing to ask. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please show me the areas of my life that need improvement...and give me humility and strength to ask others for help, so that I can grow. Please fill me with Your wisdom. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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