The NBA All-Star weekend is one of my favorite weekends in sports. It’s a celebration of the game of basketball and this year was extra special with Kobe Bryant and David Stern being honored.
Last night’s All-Star game in Chicago was especially entertaining with the drastic format changes. Each quarter was designed as an individual game and the fourth quarter was untimed with the teams trying to reach a target score of 157, determined by adding 24 points (Kobe’s number) to the leading team’s total score after three quarters.
Unlike other years, the players didn’t only goof around but actually took the game seriously. With tight defense and teamwork, taking charges and fighting for loose balls, they played an exciting and competitive game that led to a tight finish.
Fans seemed to love this totally different approach and the game turned out to showcase the NBA really well. Of course, it was still an exhibition game, but teams were trying to win and the star players stepped up with the game on the line.
Anthony Davis hit the game-winning free throw and Kawhi Leonard won the MVP as Team LeBron got the victory.
Reflecting on the weekend, including an awesome Dunk Contest on Saturday night, the word “intensity” comes to mind. Players exhibited an intensity that we don’t normally see during the typical nonchalant atmosphere of the All-Star Game.
In honoring Kobe Bryant (players were wearing his number 24) and desiring to play like him, this was particularly fitting since Kobe played with such a high level of intensity.
The word “intensity” sometimes carries a negative connotation, but in this context, its meaning of “seriousness, passion, fervor, zeal, eagerness, enthusiasm, excitement, earnestness, energy, and concentration” is very positive.
We saw those words on display last night in the fourth quarter and it was refreshing to see in an All-Star game.
A good question to consider today is whether or not those words define our own lives. As followers of Jesus, we should be known for our passion, excitement, and energy while taking our service to Him seriously.
Since we live to bring Him honor and be like Him every time we “step on the court,” we should exude a proper level of “intensity” (zeal, eagerness, and concentration on Him).
The Bible challenges us on this in the following two verses:
”Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically” (Romans 12:11; TLB).
“Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men…” (Colossians 3:23; AMP).
The NBA players played with purpose and passion this weekend because they were playing for Kobe and in response to the example he set on the court. They were also motivated to play with intensity so they could win money to help the inner-city youth of Chicago.
Each day when we live in response to who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross, let’s allow His example to spur us on to intensely serve others…and to live in a way that reminds them of Him.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that I would live with intensity and enthusiasm to serve You. Please help me be zealous for good works, and to honor You and point people to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
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What area of your life is lacking intensity?
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What holds you back from having enthusiasm and passion?
