God's Coaching #7

God's Coaching #7

The Harlem Globetrotters are one of the most famous sports teams in the world. In fact, it was on this day in 1927 that the Globetrotters played their first game. The funny thing is, the Globetrotters began in Chicago, not the Harlem area of New York City. Plus, the team wasn’t filled with globetrotters at all—they were athletes from Wendell Phillips High School on the south side of Chicago. Abe Saperstein, who founded the team, just wanted potential audiences to think his squad had traveled the globe.

The Globetrotters got paid $75 for playing their first game in Hinckley, Illinois. They didn’t travel with their own opponent back then like they do today (oh, the poor Washington Generals, who have lost more than 10,000 straight games to the Globetrotters). Instead they drove around the United States and played anybody who’d pay them to come. During their first season, the Globetrotters amassed an impressive record of 101–16.

In 1939, the Harlem Globetrotters started adding silly antics to their games. They’d do fancy ball-handling skills and comedic routines. Fans loved it, but Abe warned the team only to be silly after it had built up a solid lead. Today, the Globetrotters have played in more than 115 countries in front of over 120 million fans.

What’s the Score?

What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think of the Harlem Globetrotters? If you’ve seen the team play, that word is probably fun. The Globetrotters make basketball fun. Sure, they show amazing skill, but their goal is to make everybody smile and have a good time.

Have you ever been to church or hung out with people who didn’t smile? It’s not much fun. It’s okay for Christians to have fun. In fact, God wants us to enjoy life and have fun. Ecclesiastes 8:15 says, “I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life.” Of course, we also have to work hard and take care of our responsibilities. But with a little creativity, we can make our work fun—just like the Harlem Globetrotters do.

On the Ball

What’s your least favorite thing to do? How can you make that thing more fun? Be creative. It’s good to have fun, to be happy, and to work hard.

Coach’s Comment

I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15