The Golden State Warriors have won three of the last four NBA Championships, and are the favorites to win again this year. With a starting lineup consisting of All-Stars and former MVPs, it’s hard to imagine they'll be knocked off in the playoffs.
When the season began, most people thought it was a foregone conclusion they'd win another ring, but what’s taken place on and off the floor has caused some concern.
Losing to the Suns at home on Sunday (the second worst team in the league) has especially raised some questions with the playoffs being right around the corner.
Are the Warriors beatable? Are there issues between Coach Steve Kerr and Draymond Green? Why is Klay Thompson calling out the Warriors fans? Is Kevin Durant’s pending free agency a distraction? Is their bench deep enough?
The majority of fans and media members still believe the Warriors will be fine, and it’s hard to deny they’re the best team, but a fair question to ask is if they're vulnerable?
The answer is "yes!" They aren’t unstoppable and if they don’t get serious, they won’t accomplish what they hope to.
I’m sure they're still confident they'll win another championship, but they must also be aware of their weaknesses, and not overlook the issues revealed during the regular season and their 4-6 record in the last ten games.
We know the Warriors are an amazing team and they’ve proven it over and over, but as we also recognize they're still vulnerable, we can be challenged to take a look inward.
Although we may be an “amazing person” who obeys God, follows Jesus, and loves people, the reality is that as soon as we stop being consistent, put our guard down, and become lackadaisical, we’re vulnerable to stumble.
Matthew 26:41 (ESV) warns us to "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
As soon as we start to think we’re so great and that sin can’t trip us up, we have a chance of losing to a team like the Suns. We must take our opponent seriously and remain focused on Jesus, so we don't give into temptation and succumb to sin.
Since we are all vulnerable and weak on our own, our past issues can sneak in and distractions can take us off course if we don’t remain humble and alert.
Temptations will always be there, but the good news is "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13; ESV).
Today, let’s walk in victory...realizing we live in a dark and broken world, but we're covered by grace through Jesus.
We need God’s Spirit to give us strength and power to overcome every attack that comes our way, so let's remember to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7 English Standard Version; ESV).
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know I’m weak and vulnerable in need of Your strength and power. I pray I’d remained focused on Jesus as I take temptation seriously. Please lead me as I desire to be consistently obedient. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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