Bloom Where You're Planted

          ​I’ll admit I’m not the biggest NBA fan. To be honest, I only tune in for the playoffs. I’ve heard of Steph Curry, but I didn’t really know a lot about him. Now that Golden State is making a deep run in the playoffs, I’ve definitely been seeing a lot more of Curry and his family and I’m liking what I’m finding out. 

Here’s what he said a few years ago in a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) article:
“Personally I am just trying to use this stage to share how God has been a blessing to my life and how He can be the same in everyone else’s. God’s given me talents to play basketball for a living, but I still have to work hard to improve every day. I know that in the grand scheme of things, this is just a game that can be taken from me at any moment. But I love that basketball gives me the opportunities to do good things for people and to point them towards the Man who died for our sins on the cross. I know I have a place in heaven waiting for me because of Him, and that’s something no earthly prize or trophy could ever top. There’s more to me than just this jersey I wear, and that’s Christ living inside of me.” 

“Each man should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him.” (1 Corinthians 7: 20)

         Commentary for this verse says “Often we are so concerned about what we could be doing for God somewhere else that we miss great opportunities right where we are. Every job can become Christian work when you realize that the purpose of your life is to honor, serve, and speak out for Christ. Because God has placed you where you are, look carefully for opportunities to serve him there.”

         Here’s a snippet about Curry in a USA Today article from earlier this year:
“As Curry sees it, his game is relatable—duplicable, even—because of both his skill set and stature. Whereas stars such as James (6-8, 250 pounds) and Durant (6-9, 240) have the kinds of measurements and athleticism that most people can never dream of, Curry dazzles in the kind of wonderful way that fools one into thinking this is just an extreme case of practice making perfect. ‘I'm 6-3 and 185 pounds on a good day, so I probably relate more to the casual fan who watches the game and is not super athletic, not this crazy monster of physical stature,’ says Curry.”

        I think that’s what makes Curry so great. He’s relatable and humble. He knows his talent comes from God.

      “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him…Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29, 31)  

        Definitely encouragement for us “average joes.” But is anyone really average? 

      “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.” (Psalm 139:14-15)

        We’re all different and have different gifts and abilities. 

        I think Curry is a great example of how you don’t have to be a pastor to reach people. 

      “There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men…The body is a unit, though it is made of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12: 5-6, 12)
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      Whether you shoot three-pointers for a living or work in a cubicle, God has you there for a reason. Don’t forget to use your natural abilities to turn your workplace or wherever you go into a ministry field.










    
 

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