Basketball & Christianity (Quiet Time)

I love Jesus Christ.
I love basketball.

Jesus Christ + basketball = ?????

Connecting the two only makes sense to me... so by what I write, I hope you understand what it means to live for Jesus and not sit around watching other Christians worship without ever getting to know who Jesus Christ is.

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only..."
(James 1:22a).

• Quiet time [kwahy-it tahym] noun.
  This is a regular (usually daily) one-on-one experience between a Christian and God. The time is usually spent in a quiet place of uninterrupted solitude.
  Activities include praying (talking and listening to God), reading the Bible, and appreciating God's presence.

Quiet time is essential to being a Christian rather than a spectator. Let me explain.
If Christianity is like basketball, then a Christian needs to be a basketball player. You can go to basketball games, watch professionals play basketball, and root for them and say you're on their team. In this way, you know how others play basketball.

But, can you play basketball? If you've never picked up a basketball and trying dribbling it, shooting, and passing it, can you call yourself a basketball player?
In the same way, if we never have quiet time, never read the bible, never pray, and never experience God on our own time, can we call ourselves Christians?

Most Christians are simply "basketball fans." They appreciate the sport, they go to church because it's fun to watch a praise team or hear a great sermon, and they like to feel good about themselves. But, God calls us to be basketball players, not just fans. This is why it's so important to have quiet time. We need to become basketball players who are involved in the game. We need to become Christians who are involved in the world.

Take my word for it. You don't understand the true joy of playing basketball until you've played it yourself. It's an entirely enjoyable experience. The feel of the rubber ball in your hands, the funky beat of the basketball against a cement floor, the challenge of putting an orange in a circle so it falls through something called a "hoop" so it makes a sound that goes "swish," and the firsthand appreciation of a sport that has brought joy to millions of people.

If basketball's brought momentary joy to millions of people, and Jesus Christ brings eternal joy to anyone who will accept him, then...


I think you're thinking what I'm thinking now.