Playing Both Sides of the Ball #6

I was very fortunate that I grew up playing basketball against really good competition. I started playing AAU and competing nationally in third grade. I remember in middle school and high school my dad telling me, if I could score there would always be a spot on the court for me. He was right...in a way. Being able to showcase my offensive game, gave me opportunities to succeed. However, I soon learned that a good player plays both sides. Every coach would agree that they want players that are committed and take pride in both offense and defense. 

Even though my mind was more focused on scoring and the offensive side of the ball, I was still a big competitor. Finishing with my senior year of AAU not committed to a college, but with a number of division I college offers, I played in a tournament in Florida with many college coaches on the sideline. As a smaller guard I wanted to prove I was able to score, able to assist my teammates and able to shoot from the 3 point line. After playing one of the best games I’ve probably played that summer, I got a call from Kent State. They had offered me a scholarship. One of the main things they wanted in their point guards was to be a tough floor general. When I finally took my visit to Kent State, the coaching staff told me they offered me because of my skills but more importantly that I took a defensive charge in a summer AAU game. Sometimes it does pay to play both sides of the ball. 

Defense 

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, defense wins championships. Well that is partly true. To stop the other team from scoring is half the battle but usually the toughest one. It is true in sports, but also in your spiritual life. Everyone is in a constant battle with Satan, but the difference between sports and our spiritual battle is, Jesus has already won the game for us. That doesn’t mean Satan will give up, but that God has given us great defensive techniques and mechanisms to fight off our enemy. 

Having great faith in the Lord will give you strength and peace to overcome your struggles. Also, by reading God’s word and finding out what He says in a matter will help you avoid and fight off the temptations and strategies used by the evil one. There is strength in numbers. That is why the Bible says to be a part of a church/community and surround yourself with friends that have positive spiritual thinking just like you do. 

Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron,

    so one person sharpens another.

Offense

One of my favorite NBA players to watch is James Harden. His offensive skill, footwork and body positioning is unmatched. The NBA has changed dramatically over the past couple years because of the 3 point shot and spacing of the floor. Because of this, it gives great offensive players the freedom to attack and put pressure on the defense. 

God has given us our offensive playbook. The way we are to attack satan, is throwing what God says and His word in satan’s face. It’s not enough to take what the Bible says and store the information, but to use it and become the living message. One of the devil’s best tactics is when he gets you to use your own thoughts or opinion on a matter. Our flesh is weak, that is why he wants to try and beat us this way. God says if you lean on Him, He will wipe out your problems. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart

    and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight.

To sum it all up, it is important to protect yourself and have a strong defensive wall, but also important to attack downhill and put pressure on the enemy. Lebron James, Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are arguably the best players in the NBA right now, but it is because of their offensive and defensive attributes, not just one skill. To fight off the ways of the devil, we must be strong in the Lord, use what He has already given us and know that the victory has already been won with the death of Jesus Christ.