UNPACK this...The Value of a HuddleChikamu

The Importance Of Fellowship   

NBA All-Star Weekend is always fun to watch with the dunk contest showcasing incredible athleticism and the 3-point shootout highlighting the best shooters in the league.

But above all the entertainment and memorable moments, the close-knit atmosphere of the NBA family is extraordinarily noticeable. Legends like Bill Russell and Oscar Robertson have been known to sit in the front row cheering on the young guys, and TV personalities such as Shaq and Barkley have shown great respect to the current stars while interviewing them. 

Watching the current and former players interact and relate to each other during all of the weekend festivities, reveals just how much they appreciate being together and value their brotherhood in the National Basketball Association.

This kind of bond causes me to reflect on the importance of fellowship in our own lives. It’s crucial to recognize the value of being included in God’s family, and not miss out on the joy and encouragement that come from interacting with other followers of Jesus. 

The Bible reinforces this in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it."

NBA players experience a life that only they truly understand, so they connect on a unique level like a family and enjoying being united. As followers of Jesus, we have a unique outlook on life that should prompt us to live out our faith journey with other like-minded believers. 

By sharing daily joys and struggles and meeting together at church and small groups (even if we have to wear masks and social distance ourselves right now), we can have the encouragement and support we need to remain faithful to God.

Our shared common bond, rooted in Christ, enables us to experience a very powerful connection…one that should be embraced instead of neglected. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, please surround me with a community of other believers who will encourage me to walk faithfully with You. I pray I'd be an intentional friend who doesn't neglect to form deep connections. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen. 

To join a small group of other sports fans following Jesus (known as a PACK), visit unpackinit.com.