Last night's Game 1 of the NBA Finals brought drama, excitement, epic performances...and a legendary mistake.
Although underdogs, the Cavs showed they could compete with the Warriors and were in a position to win when the score was tied with 4.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
However, George Hill missed a second free throw opportunity that would have given the Cavs the lead. Luckily his teammate J.R. Smith was able to grab the offensive rebound. He then surprisingly dribbled the ball away from the hoop instead of taking a shot or passing to LeBron and possibly winning the game.
This baffling move sent the game into overtime with everyone dumbfounded as to what was taking place and asking questions like "What was he thinking?" and "Why didn't he pass to LeBron?"and "Why wasn't a timeout called?" and "Why didn't he shoot the ball after securing the rebound?"
Smith was most likely trying to run out the clock because he thought the Cavs were up by one. He wasn't aware of his team's true situation and did what he thought was the right thing to do.
Even though others knew the truth and realized he was making a bad decision, Smith was misled to believe he was helping his team win. He obviously made a huge mistake, but his understanding was inaccurate and didn't think he was doing anything wrong.
As Smith gets criticized today for not knowing the truth of his team's situation last night, I’m reminded he’s not the only who has been deceived into thinking his actions were right.
The Bible says in Proverbs 16:2 (AMP), "All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes , but the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents .”
Each of us makes decisions every day that reflect our genuine motives and understanding of truth. We either make wise choices that reflect our knowledge of God’s Word...or we make foolish decisions because we mistakenly think our limited understanding is correct.
We’re either aware of the truth or we’re led to a bad outcome by “dribbling around aimlessly.”
Proverbs 16:25 (ESV) tells us, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
Proverbs 21:2 (NLT) reminds us that "People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.”
If we aren’t seeking the Lord and studying His word, we’ll start believing whatever we think is okay and that culture's way is the right way.
However, as our eyes are opened to the truth and the reality of sin, we'll realize our hearts are in the wrong place and start wondering "What was I thinking?" or "What was I doing?" or "Why didn't I shoot the ball when I had a chance?"
Today before time expires, let’s be aware of what’s really going on in our hearts. Let's make wise decisions, pursue knowledge in the Lord, and follow Jesus on the path of truth.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know there are times when I think I’m doing the right thing, but my motives are actually wrong. Other times I’m being disobedient because I lack wisdom and an understanding of truth. Please show me the areas of my life that need to change and help me make better decisions. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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