Bouncing Back: A Basketball Tale of Timing, Trials, and Glorifying God

Have you ever felt rushed? You know, those moments when you believe you're right on schedule, everything is falling into place as planned, only to realize you should have left 30 minutes earlier!

That happened to me last week.

Last week, I was working a Varsity Boy’s Basketball game at a private school in our area about 44 miles away, and I knew how long it would take to get there.

That afternoon, I was hanging around the church taking care of business and thinking I had plenty of time to run a couple of errands beforehand and get to the game in plenty of time.

At the appropriate time, I made my way to my truck. Pulling out of the parking lot, a realization struck me - I was going to be late. It was impossible to complete all the errands, get gas, and reach the game site on time.

I texted my partners to let them know I would arrive closer to the actual start time, but I was on the way!

I arrived about 5 minutes prior to the tip-off with my partners already on the court. I hurried into the officials’ changing area to get ready. I busted out onto the court with two minutes to spare.

Finally, at the game, I could relax. Although there might have been a few missed calls, and the coaches, players, and fans likely noticed, overall, it was a great and competitive game that even went into overtime.

The home team lost. Disappointment coursed through the gym.

As I was walking out to my truck afterwards, I got behind a mom and her two kids. Her son was complaining that the home team lost and seemed very upset.

His mom, patiently and calmly, said, “It really doesn’t matter who won or lost, but whether God was glorified!” I instantly smiled.

I wish more parents took this approach to youth sports.

First Corinthians chapter 10 verse 31 captures this idea really well.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

In this section of Paul’s letter, he addresses how believers in Jesus should be constantly seeking to honor God by honoring other people.

Through a lengthy conversation about sin, idolatry, and sacrifice, Paul instructs believers that whatever they do (regardless of what they think is right or should be right) should be done to honor God.

That is our filter. Does this thing honor God? Does it bring God glory?

Our world is filled with selfish agendas. Believers in Jesus can counteract this by shifting the conversation towards what pleases God, aligning with the teachings of the Bible, and considering what is beneficial for others.

Allow me to present a straightforward example for us to contemplate:

Does yelling and complaining about sports honor God?

This week, let's take a step towards changing this narrative by demonstrating positive attitudes, whether we win or lose, on or off the court, at work, at home, with our kids, and with our spouses.

Remember it is not whether you win or lose the game but rather if you are bringing glory to God - our loving Father!

Anyway, I was just thinking…