Unanimous MVP

The Golden State Warriors have had a historic season, breaking records and turning heads. Earlier this week, Stephen Curry was named the NBA’s first unanimous Most Valuable Player. Let that set in…the FIRST UNANIMOUS MVP in NBA history!  It’s unbelievable for so many different reasons: Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird never claimed that honor...LeBron James didn’t even get one 1st-place MVP vote this year...Curry is a small guard from Davidson...and he won the MVP last year. What I find most remarkable is the fact that every sportswriter who had a vote to cast, picked Steph Curry as the MVP. The same sportswriters who argue about everything and seem to always find something to disagree on found unity on this one topic - Curry is the MVP. The word "unanimous" really jumped out to me, so I looked up its definition in the dictionary: “Of two or more people fully in agreement, an opinion or vote held or carried by everyone involved...united, undivided, as one, in accord, of one mind, of the same mind, in harmony.” It’s hard to find the meaning of unanimous played out in today’s world, as daily conversations and the nightly news reveal anything other than agreement and unity. Because we live in such a divided world, this unanimous MVP vote seems to stand out even more. Unfortunately, even among the church, it’s sometimes difficult to find people who are fully united and living in harmony. But as followers of Jesus, we should be in unanimous agreement that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and worthy of our praise. If we lose sight that it’s about Him and not us, we can begin to divide and lack unity. Paul writes in Philippians 2:1-2 (NLT), “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.” When our purpose is to bring glory to God and honor Him with our lives, we will seek to love one another and work together to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. With the mindset of humility and sacrifice, we can unanimously agree we are more effective when we’re united, instead of divided. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray for a heart of unity and a true desire for harmony within my family, community, and church. Help me to be someone who represents humility, and the type of person who seeks to work together with other followers of Jesus to bring the Gospel to the world. Forgive me for times I've caused division, and please give me the strength to be united in the areas You call me to be. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.