UNPACK this...For NBA FansSample

Who to Root For? 

Before the NBA Finals begin, sports fans make predictions and decide who to root for. Most of us can’t remain neutral but are compelled to pick a team to win the Championship.

Deciding between the Warriors and Cavs over the past few years has been difficult for me. On the one hand, pulling for LeBron seems right since he's the best player in the world and building a phenomenal legacy.

Yet, the Warriors have Steph Curry who is from my hometown. Of course, I want to see him successfully represent Charlotte, North Carolina, so I've struggled over who to cheer for.

But beyond choosing a team to support during the NBA Finals, we need to consider who we're choosing to serve today and throughout our lives. When we wake up in the morning, are we choosing to serve God and others…or are we torn because we love serving ourselves and pursuing our own desires? The choices we make all day long reveal which side we’re truly on. 

A passage in Joshua 24:14-15 (NLT) offers us a significant challenge: “So fear the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” 

Today, let’s be encouraged to live with an awareness to “serve the Lord alone” and “wholeheartedly.” Instead of serving ourselves and choosing things that prevent us from closely following Jesus, let’s boldly declare “as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to serve You and You alone. Forgive me for the times I pursue other things that don’t compare to You. Please give me the strength I need today as I choose to follow Jesus. In His matchless name, I pray, Amen.