Warriors vs. Cavs in Game 7 of 2016 NBA Finals – Does Faith Have Anything To Do With The Results? [POLL] Biblical Themes and Verses the Series Reminds Us Of
If one were to look at all the games in the NBA Finals series leading up to tonight's Game 7 (between the Warriors and the Cavs) from a Biblical perspective, one would be reminded of several Bible verses when reflecting on the overarching themes presented by the intensity and level of play.
To start, we can obviously discuss the numbers, the records as well as the overall statistics of each team to better predict the outcome of tonight's game. Statistics have all the merit in any sport and in basketball also they are right almost all the time. In fact, numbers are so akin to winning that Dub Nation (Warriors) have selected its unofficial motto to be "Strength in Numbers".
The Cavs have numbers too. LeBron's performance these past two games were nothing short of "Jordanesque". Scoring 41 points consecutively in two games and overpowering the Warriors even when many predicted Golden State to win with Draymond Green back on the court speaks volumes.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
If any, LeBron and Co. were successful in fighting back against the numbers Steph Curry and his squad were recording throughout the series. Despite being down 3-1, the Cavs found a way to claw themselves back to surface in their up-hill battle against the sharp-shooting Warriors. Cleveland was able to make a comeback the same way the Warriors were able tobounce back against the Thunder in the Western Conference finals down 3 to 1.
Both teams have shown the ability to defy and overpower the stats stacked up against them which is why one could say that with their high level of play, numbers do not necessarily dictate the outcome. Both teams have all their physical and strategic bases covered and when it gets as leveled and as competitive as this, this writer believes that what matters next is the heart - mental power, endurance, willingness, attitude, confidence, humility, ferocity. Now the question is, does faith also play a part in determining the outcome of the series?
POLL
With no further ado here are the Bibllical verses that the 2016 NBA Final series have reminded us regarding the path of faith set out for all followers of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Obviously, this verse by Paul of Tarsus does not refer to basketball but to the spreading of the Gospel. NBA players like players from any professional sports league train really hard to make it into the Playoffs and those who train even harder make it the Finals. Likewise, Christians face and intense spiritual battle when entrusted with the work of spreading the Gospel. This work cannot be taken lightly and thus requires hard training and discipline.
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
To the Lord the heart with which we play is as important as the outcome. Oftenly, the heart will dictate the outcome.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
The challenges that we face in life are there to make us stronger. The bigger the opponent the greater the trust and faith God has in us to overcome.
Philippians 3:13-14
Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The opponent team may have achieved several rallies against your team and to add to the adverse circumstances. you miss several shots and execute bad plays. Don't let these get to you, focus on what's ahead instead of what has already occurred.
For Christians, our center has to be transfered from ourselves to Christ. If all we do is look at ourselves, we will be reminded of our limitations, our faults, our mistakes and our sins. In Christ however, we fix our eyes on Jesus who is the perfecter of our faith and who guides us to overcome all our limitations.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Hebrews 12:11-13
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
