Transform Your Game | Live

Basketball

1. Go for it.

Nike’s famous expression is: “Just Do It.” It’s true. 

You can only change if you start. One dribble, one shot, one jump, one sprint at a time.

2. Enjoy it.

You wouldn’t be playing basketball unless you enjoyed it. Basketball is a game, and games should be fun.

3. Forget fear.

There is a such thing as “Analysis Paralysis”: meaning you may experience a fear of failure. In other words, you become more afraid of failing than having the enjoyment of success. You may be afraid of what others will think of you. But this fear is born out of basing your self-worth from others. Instead of caring about what others think, focus on the joy and progress you get from the game itself.

4. Give it away.

Anything you learn and love is no good if you keep it to yourself.

Your biggest joy on the court will be helping your teammates be successful – because when they are successful, you are all successful.

Some might even say that one of the best ways to improve your own game, is to teach others the skills you  are confident in.

5. Follow Jesus.

Even in basketball, consider following the ways of Jesus. Just imagine the ways your game would transform if you approached it with a heart of service, love, sacrifice, compassion, confidence and humility.

Basketball is better when doing it with the One who made it.

(Fun fact: Did you know the inventor of basketball, James Naismith, was a follower of Jesus!? Check out this great blog post by Paul Putz of the Faith and Sports Institute at Baylor University.)

Life

The Bible is one of the best places to look for advice to transform your life. Here are a few challenging verses from Scripture to encourage you in your journey.

1. Follow Jesus.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.“ (Matthew 16:24 NIV)

2. Go for it.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 NIV)

3. Enjoy it.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” (James 1:2 NIV)

4. Forget fear.

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?“ (Romans 8:31 NIV)

5. Give it away.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

True transformation is difficult!

Our prayer is that you will take the step of faith toward a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.