God's Coaching #78

God's Coaching #78

One of the greatest NBA players of all time is a guy you’ve probably never heard of. Having played in the era of Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Walton, Wes Unseld often gets lost in the conversation of the greatest centers of all time. But his statistics and accomplishments certainly prove he was one. Wes was a six-foot-seven-inch, 245-pound roadblock who lifted the Baltimore and Washington Bullets franchise to heights it never achieved before or since. In his illustrious 13-year career, Wes guided the Bullets (now called the Wizards) to the play-offs for 12 straight years, including four NBA Finals appearances in the 1970s, and to the franchise’s only championship in 1978.

Wes was a five-time all-star who also won the league’s Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year honors. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988 and named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996. Just as impressive, he spent his whole career with one team. After retiring as a player in 1981, he immediately took an executive position with the Bullets before serving as the team’s head coach from 1987 to 1994. As he once told Sports Illustrated, “I’ve always been a Bullet, and I always will be.”

What’s the Score?

Wes made a lifetime commitment to the Washington, DC, basketball team. Athletes like Wes, who play for only one team and then continue with that team in a leadership role, are extremely rare. Similarly, Christians are called to an exclusive, lifetime commitment to Christ. Sadly, many people treat Christianity like a new shirt at the department store. They try it on, and if they don’t like it, they try something else.

But Christianity isn’t something to be returned. Following Jesus Christ is a lifetime commitment, not a random decision. In fact, the word Christian means “Christ follower.” A true follower of something follows for life, not just for a short time. Jesus himself said in John 15:5 that true believers must “remain in me.” Becoming a Christian isn’t simply a matter of praying a quick prayer or having a mysterious spiritual experience. It’s not about knowing the Bible or going to church regularly. Becoming a Christian means repenting of your sins, trusting in Jesus as your Savior, and committing your entire life to him. True Christians will still sin, yes, but their commitment to Christ will be for a lifetime.

On the Ball

Read John 15 to understand more about making a lifetime commitment to Jesus.

Coach’s Comment

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5