"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." -Matthew 5:16 NLT
One night, I watched a postgame interview with Damian Lillard after a big performance with 48 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Los Angeles Lakers, resulting in a big win for the Portland Trail Blazers. A reporter asked, “Dame, you mentioned working on your faith…how has that helped you?” Lillard answered, “When Anthony Tolliver [a former teammate who is a Christian] came to the team, he really wasn’t pushing [Christianity] but seeing how serious he was about [his faith] and he was constantly offering it out, a Bible study here. CJ [McCollum, a fellow teammate] was like ‘Let’s go to chapel.’… I also wanted to challenge myself coming into the season to make it to every chapel for every game. And since I’ve been doing that, I’ve been able to get deeper into my faith even outside of chapel, getting back to church and be in that environment; just being able to address myself personally and look in the mirror. I think when you do that, you are able to have a lot clearer mind and I think that has been a big help for me.”
Leading up to the Lakers game, Lillard particularly in the six games prior—had been on fire scoring the basketball while getting his teammates involved with assists.
In 2019:
• vs. Dallas Mavericks- 34 points, 10 assists
• vs. Oklahoma City Thunder- 34 points, 6 assists
• vs. Golden State Warriors- 61 points, 7 assists
• vs. Dallas Mavericks- 47 points, 8 assists
• vs. Indiana Pacers- 50 points, 13 assists
• vs. Houston Rockets- 36 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists (his first career triple-double)
I don’t believe it was a coincidence that he was able to play at such a high level during that short period of time.
There were three things that come to mind after watching Damian Lillard’s postgame interview.
- Lillard mentioned that as he was growing in his faith, he had to look himself in the mirror. It is so important for us humble ourselves and recognize that we need God to help and guide us in every aspect of our lives. We must remember that we are nothing without Him. Also, it is so imperative that we take time each day to not only draw close to God through prayer and His word, but also to self-reflect.
- When we surrender to God and draw close to Him, He gives us peace that most people will not understand (Philippians 4:7). We will begin to grow spiritually, and as a result of our relationship with God, we will begin to see doors of opportunity open (or close) for our benefit (Romans 8:28).
- The most important thing was seeing how his former teammate, Anthony Tolliver, was able to allow the light of Jesus Christ shine through him (Matthew 5:16) while making a positive impact on Lillard by the way he lived. He was courageous enough to invite him to certain functions like Bible study.
Because of the way Tolliver lived, Lillard was able to see how God was working in his life. He was also able to see an example of a Christian. As a result, Lillard wanted to feel God’s presence in his life and desired a relationship with God.
What we say and how we live is pivotal because people are always watching. We may be the only Bible and church that people may see. We must treat everyone like a soul. Love on them, pray with and for them, tell them what God places on your heart and sow that seed. Live holy and right so people can get saved and draw close to God, bringing God the glory.
We all have gifts from God. We all have platforms that God has given us and we are to use those gifts and platforms to bring glory to the name of Jesus, drawing souls to Him. God may not save someone the first time you share the gospel with them. But God can soften that person’s heart so that they can eventually invite Him into their lives. Just like plants, the more seeds that are sown into a person’s life, there is more of an opportunity for a person to believe in Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior.
What are your God-given gifts?
What are your platforms?
Are you allowing God to use your gifts and platforms to make Jesus’ name known?
Don’t you know that what you say or do can positively or negatively affect someone’s life?
You don’t have to worry about what people think about you. Always be bold and courageous while allowing the light of Jesus Christ to shine through you. Not only witness, but also let your life do the talking and watch how God can use you.
God's Word is our guide.
• Matthew 5:13
• 1 Timothy 4:12
• Mark 16:15
• 2 Corinthians 5:20-21