John Wooden was the legendary basketball coach at UCLA. I remember going into Pauley Pavilion where their
home games were played and seeing one national championship banner after another hanging from the ceiling.
He was an amazing coach and an unashamed follower of Jesus Christ. He led UCLA to ten national
championships but always taught and believed that basketball was not the ultimate goal in life, that one’s faith
in this Jesus of the Bible was more important. As a Christian man and coach he was concerned with shaping
successful basketball teams, but was always committed to shaping successful young men. He once said,
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are,
while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” For John Wooden, his faith in Christ was what
shaped his character, that shaped his actions and his direction in life. He gave each young man he coached the
opportunity to see up close the righteous character that was produced by Jesus Christ in one’s life. What people
believe about you is shaped by what people chose to believe. But your character is who you really are. And the
righteous character that Jesus produces in your life will both please and honor God. So don’t worry what they
say about you out there, strive to let God conform your character to Jesus Christ. No, you won’t be perfect, not
even close. But you will be better and people won’t be surprised that you are related to him!
Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Philippians 1:11 NLT May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Remember I’m praying for you!
PJ
Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Philippians 1:11 NLT May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Remember I’m praying for you!
PJ