Andrew Wiggins has been a superstar for the Golden State Warriors, but not in the traditional sense of being a superstar. Instead, he has starred in his role. The former No. 1 pick in 2014 was once expected to be the savior of the Minnesota Timberwolves and paid a massive five-year $148 million contract in 2017. In February 2020, when Wiggins was traded to Golden State, many people questioned the move. Basketball fans and media were curious why the Warriors would take on such a big contract and why they thought Wiggins could become the superstar everyone was waiting for him to become. But the Warriors saw superstar potential in a different sense. Wiggins entered into the perfect context for him to thrive. He's not expected to be a primary scoring option nor does he have to anchor the defense by himself. There's no pressure to carry a franchise anymore and he doesn't have to live up to a large contract. His role is to provide some offense and work to contribute well as a wing defender. Warriors Head Coach, Steve Kerr, explained how pleased he is with Wiggins fulfilling his role on the team: “I’m impressed, I’m not surprised. Wiggs has shown since we’ve had him the past couple of years that he can be an excellent defender, he’s got great size, length, and athleticism. Over the last couple of years, he’s just gotten more and more attentive, more on edge, and ready for what’s coming next.” Kerr went on to say about Wiggins' role, “I think part of it is just playing Draymond (Green), Steph (Curry), and Klay (Thompson), and playing with guys who have been around championship basketball and them really imploring him to be that guy for us because we desperately needed that. So when Wiggs recognized that was the role that was needed, he really locked in and got better and better.” As followers of Jesus, there's an important takeaway from all of this that can encourage us in our faith. There would be zero talk about Wiggins being a star in his role if he never accepted it in the first place. This is a former No. 1 overall pick on a huge contract who is being asked to be a role player by his coach. That's a significant decrease in glory from the public's perspective. Going from a potential savior of a franchise to a role player isn't easy if pursuing glory from others is what matters most. This reminds me of John 12:42-43 (ESV) where glory from man is rebuked: "Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God." These authorities weren't willing to publicly proclaim the name of Jesus because they didn't want to risk losing the approval that comes from others. In our own lives, we have opportunities every day to decide between pursuing glory that comes from people or seeking God and the glory that comes from Him. Andrew Wiggins has chosen the approval of his coach rather than seeking to live up to being a franchise player and gain more glory from the public. Similarly, we must actively seek the glory that comes from God rather than living our lives for the approval and glory of others. This takes humility and heart change worked through the Holy Spirit because as people born sinful, we naturally seek to please people instead of God. So today, let's be challenged to live our lives seeking the glory that comes from God rather than the glory that comes from others. Ultimately, the approval of God is always worth more! I'm Luke Heaton and you can UNPACK that! Prayer: Father, by Your Holy Spirit help me seek to please You rather than please others. It's so easy to care what others think of me rather than focusing on how You see me as one of Your children. Show me how to confidently and boldly live my life for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What's hard to give up in order to follow Jesus because it risks losing the approval of others?
When has there been a time you've chosen pleasing God instead of pleasing others?
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