UNPACK this... For March Madness FansSample

Diving for Loose Balls  

In the weeks leading up to this year’s March Madness, we witnessed closer and harder fought games in college basketball. While the intensity rose, boxing out, diving for loose balls and tight defense all became extremely important for a team to secure the close wins.

When players stand around on defense during games and make no effort to dive on the floor or fight for a rebound, their true passion comes into question.

The teams with players willing to put forth effort in the little things are the ones that keep winning. If a player is driven to win a championship, execute his coach’s game plan, and sacrifice for the team, he is playing for something much bigger than himself. There is a distinct difference between players that leave it all out there and those that hold back.

In our own lives, we have jobs and responsibilities that reveal our motivation in having a passionate attitude and showing maximum effort. As followers of Jesus, we must constantly remind ourselves that our efforts don’t have to be in our own strength or for our own glory. If our motivation in our work is to accomplish God’s purposes and show Him our love, then we stop standing around and start “diving on the floor for loose balls.”

The Bible says in Colossians 3:23 (AMP), “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…”

In approaching our jobs and other responsibilities, let’s consider our effort, attitude, and motivation. Are we filled with laziness and negativity or are we inspired because we’re doing everything for a bigger purpose?

Today, let’s allow our love for God to shine through in how we attack each task. Let’s be motivated by the power and passion of Jesus to give maximum effort…even if that means diving on the floor.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not always giving my best effort with tasks. Please continue to remind me that I’m not working for man or myself but for You and Your glory, and that passion and power are always available through Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.