Who to Root For

Before Game 1 of the NBA Finals began, everyone was making their predictions and picking who they were going to root for: the Cleveland Cavs or Golden State Warriors. I’ve been a sports fan for a long time, so when it comes to a Championship Series I’m a firm believer that you can’t remain neutral - you have to pick a team to pull for. When it comes to this series, I must admit I’m somewhat torn. I’d love to see LeBron win a championship for Cleveland and get some revenge after losing to the Warriors last year. I also enjoy cheering for the Warriors since Steph Curry grew up in my hometown. Seeing them win another championship after their 73-win season would be awesome. Although I could have talked myself into rooting for either team, I had to choose. So I landed on Golden State…and after Game 1, I’m glad I did! As important as it is to choose a team to side with during the NBA Finals, I’m convinced we should place even more of an emphasis on our decision to choose who we will serve today and throughout our lives. When we wake up in the morning, are we choosing to serve God and others, or are we torn because we love serving ourselves and pursuing our own desires? We make choices all day long that reveal which side we’re really on. A passage in Joshua 24:14-15 (NLT) offers us a great challenge: “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Today, let’s be encouraged to consider living our lives with an awareness to “serve the Lord alone” and “wholeheartedly” instead of just serving ourselves and choosing other things that prevent us from closely following Jesus. Let’s boldly declare “as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to serve You and You alone. Forgive me for the times I choose other things in life that don’t compare to You, but find myself pursuing them. Please give me the strength today as I choose to follow Jesus. In His matchless name I pray, amen.