Sports Spectrum Daily Devotional: Thursday, November 21

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8

What Really Matters

March 26, 1973. That is the day the UCLA Bruins won their seventh straight NCAA men’s basketball championship. Coach John Wooden, known as “The Wizard of Westwood,” would lead his Bruins to one more championship in 1975, which gave him his 10th championship in 12 years!

The legendary coach was the first person inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. Not only has his “Pyramid of Success” influenced his players but also entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 CEOs. Coach is also known for his “Woodenisms.”

A man of faith, many of his quotes read as paraphrases from the Bible. The following quotes from Coach Wooden provide thought-provoking points of application to Micah 6:8. 

“Act justly and love mercy”

“Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.”

“Well, if you’re true to yourself you’re going to be true to everyone else.”

“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”

“Walk humbly”

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.”

“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

“Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters.”

Today, like Coach Wooden did, seek God and look to live a life that glorifies Him. That’s what really matters.

— Jeff Fradenburgh

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