As we all deal with the current uncertainty surrounding us, NBA players and coaches are no different. They are wondering when, if, and how their league will resume. Will the season be canceled, will they go right to the playoffs, will they play their games without any fans?
For a team like the Milwaukee Bucks, who headed into the hiatus with the best record in the NBA, they want to see play resume so they can compete for an NBA Championship.
There is an article on ESPN.com with the headline, “NBA-Best Bucks Working as if Play Will Continue.” Writer, Eric Woodyard, explains how “despite the current circumstances, the Bucks are still focused on improvement as a team.”
The team continues to emphasize keeping their bodies in shape with in-home workouts, while also communicating through group chats and still doing film work.
Bucks general manager, Jon Horst, said, "We've taken a focus to get better every single day and to literally just focus on getting better every day, not thinking about championships or Finals or opponents that we're going to play weeks out or months out, but to really think about how to improve every day. That's been a mantra and something that we believe in and something that's ingrained and built into kind of the fabric of who we are."
I appreciate the mentality of the Bucks. They're determined to keep improving, work hard, and prepare as if the season will resume.
Of course, there's a chance they won’t play again this year, but the diligence and hope they currently operate will benefit them now and in the future.
Presently, each of us faces a similar choice. Will we continue to work hard, improve, and prepare...or will we be lazy, waste time, and miss the opportunities in front of us?
Even though many of us have jobs that have been altered, limited, or eliminated, as followers of Jesus, we still have work to do. We have a much bigger calling on our lives and the current status in the world only intensifies our sense of urgency to surrender daily, serve others, and share the Gospel.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) encourages us to be “...strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT) challenges us to “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”
Our lives have been flipped upside down in many ways and we don’t know what tomorrow or next week will bring. But there are still things we can do daily to improve, grow, and prepare both spiritually and with our jobs.
While taking advantage of the slower pace to enjoy proper rest, we can also continue to work hard instead of slipping into laziness and despair. When doing so, we will experience blessings both now and in the future.
As Proverbs 13:4 (NLT) says, “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.”
Today, let’s ask God how we can serve Him in the midst of the craziness and what ways we can improve as we keep working for Him and with Him.
Let’s remember the words of Colossians 3:23-24 (AMP): "Whatever you do , work from the soul , as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the inheritance which is your reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to keep my focus on Jesus and not allow the current circumstances to let me fall into laziness and despair. Show me ways I can improve, grow, and serve. Help me to use this time to prepare well and rest well. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways are you maximizing the current circumstances you’re facing?
What is the difference between proper rest and laziness?
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