As sports fans, we can’t seem to get enough of Michael Jordan. Although the ten-part documentary, The Last Dance, concluded last night, conversations surrounding the stories about Michael Jordan and the Bulls will continue.

We love talking about all he accomplished and revel in the type of player he was. Even players from teams he competed hard against (such as Reggie Miller and Patrick Ewing), speak highly of Jordan and were willing to be part of the documentary.

If you check out social media, sports websites, TV, and radio today, you’ll hear countless people reminisce about Jordan’s legendary heroics and revere the way he helped the Bulls win six NBA Championships.

Almost all of my friends are Jordan fans, so they quickly praised him for what was revealed in the documentary and couldn’t wait to watch it each week. It’s rare to find an athlete who is so universally loved and embraced.

People are blown away by his determination, competitiveness, charisma, talent, work ethic, and ability to take over games. They’re eager to give him credit and compliments and explain the appreciation and adoration they have for him.

As sports fans, we’re accustomed to worshiping athletes (whether we realize it or not)…and this is especially true with Michael Jordan. We excitedly discuss his greatness and almost feel obligated to let younger fans know what an amazing player he was.

Although this is part of the sports fan culture (I’m guilty, as well), today I want to unpack how easily we praise Jordan but hesitate to worship and praise God properly.

Why do we passionately heap praise on a flawed person who dribbles a basketball and wears cool shoes, yet we struggle to display enthusiasm, eagerness, and awe when worshipping the perfect almighty Creator of heaven and earth?

Why do we hold back our adoration for the God of the universe who invites us to be His children and enjoy Him personally?

Why are we reluctant to tell someone else about how awesome God is when we know He sent His Son to die on our behalf and forgives us for our past, present, and future sins?

We may use the excuse that we don’t want to offend someone, but we certainly have no problem telling a LeBron or Kobe fan how much better Michael Jordan is.

The problem is, we don’t hesitate to honor and praise human accomplishments and things like beautiful sunrises because we admire creation more than the Creator.

But, when we have a heart of worship for our Heavenly Father, witnessing a sunrise will lead to having awe for the One behind it and recognizing the Giver of every good gift instead of the gift.

Psalm 29:2 (AMP) implores us to “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the beauty and majesty of His holiness [as the creator and source of holiness].”

Hebrews 13:15 (AMP) tells us, “Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.”

We’ll experience true joy when we recognize and seek God’s glory and magnify His matchless character by lifting Him up in honor and worshipping Him alone. Songs of praise for His power and faithfulness, along with prayers of thankfulness for His love and mercy, will flow from our lips.

Today, let’s desire for our whole lives to reflect a worshipful heart surrendered to Him and eager to obey, follow, and point others to Jesus as we tell them of His goodness and grace.

Romans 12:1 (NLT) gives us this wonderful challenge: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to seek Your glory and worship You alone. You are worthy of my praise and I’m filled with thankfulness when I reflect on Your character and everything You’ve done in my life. You’ve changed me and given me a new heart and I pray my words and actions would reflect that. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

1. Why is it so easy for us to heap praise on athletes, but hard for us to give God the praise He’s due?

2. How can you worship God with your life?