Spiritual Warriors

In 2nd Timothy chapter 3, the apostle Paul gives instruction about continuing in the ways of the Lord, recognizing that His way is best and that His Word is applicable to every area of our lives:
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

We have been given a guidebook for life - and we can integrate its teachings into the way we live...it's not a book just for Sunday or for a church service, and it's not intended to be studied and then forgotten - God wants us to take His Word, absorb it into our minds and spirits, and use it in the way we relate to our families, the way we do our job and relate to our employer and our co-workers, the way we deal with the past, how we overcome our shortcomings, and apply its standards to the decisions we make.   God's Word is completely useful for us.

In 1st Peter 4, we read about some components for a life that pleases the Lord and a life that works in harmony with others.
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever

The bi-vocational pastor uses his oratorical skills to motivate the basketball team he coaches, and his athletic skills and knowledge have enabled him to build winning team.   He uses the principles of Scripture to heavily influence his approach to life, as well as his sports involvement.

He desires to inspire with a message that is authentic and to be genuine.  He told the San Jose Mercury-News that he chooses to use the Bible and its teachings because he believes it applies to all aspects of life, and he's thankful that those in charge of the team has supported his approach.

"It's who I am...I've watched people overcome, I've watched people accomplish, I've watched people bounce back -- all because of the Word. I've watched it work powerfully in my life. Why not use it? If I can use John Wooden's seven steps, then why can't I use Christ's words?"   He has experienced that overcoming power in light of past indiscretions which were exposed by an extortion attempt some 7 years ago.

This pastor of True Love Worship Center International in Southern California applies his faith into various areas of his life - preaching the Word, renewing his marriage, relating to his employer, and building unity into the fabric of the basketball team he coaches.

I keep coming back to the basketball thing - and why not?   His team will take the court tonight in San Antonio tied with the heavily favored Spurs in their NBA semifinal series.   The pastor is Mark Jackson, the team is the Golden State Warriors, and according to that Mercury-News piece, the faith element is a unifying force.   In a preseason chapel service, Coach Jackson reportedly preached about letting their light shine. Jackson's wife, recording artist Desiree Coleman, prayed over the frequently injured right ankle of team star Steph Curry.  Also at the service, it was reported that All-Star David Lee renewed his commitment to God.   Rookie Draymond Green closed out the service with a prayer.

About the Warriors, the article says:

One of their strengths has been their chemistry, and a big part of it is the prevalence of faith in their locker room.

Many NBA players identify themselves as Christians. But the Warriors feature one of the more devout rosters, and it has fed into their team chemistry. Locker rooms are usually the NBA's version of man caves, chock-full of millionaires engulfed in the life of luxury. Comparatively, the Warriors are choir boys. Almost literally.

And this is done under the authority of the team president, Rick Welts, who made news as the first openly gay top sports executive.   Welts, of course, was exuberant over Jason Collins revelation that he was gay.   Jackson, on the other hand, was nuanced in his response, according to CSNBayArea.com:

I will say this. We live in a country allows you to be whoever you want to be. As a Christian man, I serve a God that gives you free will to be who you want to be. As a Christian man, I have beliefs of what’s right and what’s wrong. That being said, I know Jason Collins, I know his family, and am certainly praying for them at this time.

He said that Collins could play for him "if he had game", but added that at this time, he couldn't help the team.   So, Coach Jackson did not want to contradict his boss in the media, but was diplomatic, and I believe forthright, in his response.

You see, our Christian principles serve us well in every area of life.  And, on my radio show, I stress how God's Word speaks to a variety of areas.   This coach has built unity in his sports team, resulting in chemistry and a winning attitude - not that they pray to win and not exhibiting an attitude that God chooses sides, but they are able to demonstrate their best for His glory.   He's able to work for and with someone who has a different view from him on sexuality...we can embrace people who are different than we and hold to our witness.   He was able to overcome a devastating moral failure in his life and hold his marriage together.   As I like to say, God's way is best, and as we recognize that His precepts are applicable to every area of life, we can experience His fulfilling and abundant life - we can know His best!