UNPACK this...Struggling With SelfishnessSýnishorn

Duncan's Selflessness

In 2016 when legendary Tim Duncan retired from a 19-year NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, he received many accolades honoring his accomplishments on the floor and for the way he carried himself as a player. 

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said, “His understated selflessness made him the ultimate teammate.”

Although Duncan will go down as one of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court, he wasn’t the type of star who made it about him. He wasn’t self-centered, didn’t complain about his minutes, number of shots, or salary, and was loyal to his team.

Duncan was always one of the best but didn’t have to remind the media of that. He was about winning and playing his role within the team while being known as a truly selfless player.

Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay wrote, “Toward the end, Duncan was used less, but he always mattered. He would have mattered if he played until he was 60. He was the center of that selfless Spurs universe.”

Duncan’s selflessness is something to be admired. People who care about others and think beyond themselves aren't easy to come by, but they’re the ones we’re drawn to. 

As we consider Duncan’s demeanor, do our lives reflect selflessness or selfishness? Do we only think about our happiness or do we consider contributing to the happiness of others? 

Do we make sure our voice is always heard or do we listen to others? Do we consistently demand recognition or do we step back and willingly let another person shine?

The Bible says in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”

When Jesus walked this earth, He laid down His life on the cross for us in an ultimate act of selflessness. In response to that, we should also want to be known for our selflessness by dying to our selfish desires, living with humility, and loving others. 

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’m filled with selfishness. Please give me a heart that puts others ahead of my own selfish desires, and the strength to be selfless and humble. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.