We are witnessing incredible individual performances by Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook right now. He’s on an NBA historic pace with averages of 31.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 11.3 assists per game. Recording a “triple-double” in one game is rare enough, but averaging one for a full season is legendary. With only Oscar Robertson doing it 55 years ago, and Magic Johnson coming close 35 years ago, NBA fans are keeping a close eye on Westbrook's exceptional performances.
Although difficult for Westbrook to continue putting up these monster numbers, last night he grabbed his fourth straight triple-double - his ninth this season. As fans, we are all looking forward to seeing if he can keep this impressive feat going.
Part of the reason Westbrook is playing with such passion (and maybe even with anger), is due to the fact that his former teammate, Kevin Durant, left for the Warriors. Westbrook now has to do even more on the court if the Thunder is going to pull off a successful season. Night after night he carries the responsibility to contribute in points, rebounds, and assists.
I’m a big fan of players being able to record triple-doubles and establishing themselves as a "do-it-all" type of player. Obviously, the greater the amount a player can contribute, the more valuable he becomes. However, I believe this “do-it-all” mentality away from the court can have negative implications.
I must admit that I’m guilty of trying to do as much as I can in multiple areas of my life. I don’t want to miss out on opportunities or let people down, so I try to fit it all in. The Christmas season is especially challenging for most of us, as we try to put as many activities on our calendars as possible. We end up saying yes to more things than we should because we want to have a “do-it-all” mindset.
I think the only way to combat this mentality and avoid the many pitfalls of the “do everything” lifestyle is to evaluate our hearts and keep our eyes on Jesus. We must ask ourselves why we feel that we should do so much - especially in view of what’s been done for us on the cross.What are we trying to prove or earn? Why don’t we slow down and find rest in Jesus? Why do we think that all of our busyness and activities will fill a void only He can fill?
Our own efforts, accomplishments, and futile attempts to prove our worthiness to God will always fall short. In Philippians 3:8 (NLT), Paul realizes that his great resume actually means nothing:
"Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ..."
We can continue to chase “everything” and try to “do-it-all,” or we can pursue what actually lasts and truly matters. Today, let’s ask ourselves what we’re really trying to gain. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit I try to do-it-all at the expense of truly enjoying You and finding rest in Christ. Please help me to realize I don’t need to prove anything by my exhaustive efforts, but instead, rely on what’s been done for me on the cross. Help me to slow down, not do everything, and cherish life with Christ. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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