Use everything God has given you to break down the enemy's defense
This article is brought to you by the Literacy Coalition of Howard County.
Basketball has always been one of my greatest loves. It’s a game of runs, ebbs, and flows; moments where everything clicks, and moments where nothing seems to go right. While we often celebrate the incredible skill displayed on the court, there is another side of the game that deserves just as much attention: the mental side. It’s often said that 90 percent of basketball is mental, and the more I’ve lived both the game and life, the more I believe that to be true.
Basketball, in many ways, is a microcosm of life itself. The way we approach the game isn’t just about how well we perform physically, but how we think. Scripture speaks directly to this truth. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” How we think shapes how we act on the court and off.
Most players know the right play to make. They’ve practiced it, watched film, and heard it from their coach countless times. Yet almost everyone who has played the game has had moments where they try to do too much: forcing a shot, making a risky pass, or dribbling into trouble. That’s when the coach steps in to correct, guide, and refocus.
In many ways, that’s exactly what God does with us. He doesn’t correct us to punish, but to bring us back to what is right, effective, and life-giving.
As I reflected on this, I began to think about our daily walk of faith. Just like basketball, there is constant pressure. There is an opponent. The enemy is always looking to disrupt, distract, and discourage. No player steps onto the court unprepared, and neither should we step into our day without preparation.
A basketball player practices offense relentlessly: shooting, dribbling, passing, studying the defense. Recently, while watching an NBA game, I caught myself being critical of today’s high scores, assuming it was due to a lack of defense. But my perspective shifted. What I realized is that often the offense is simply superior. The players are skilled, disciplined, and prepared.
In the same way, we must practice our spiritual offense. Getting into God’s Word, praying consistently, walking in the fruit of the Spirit, and loving one another are powerful tools. When we use every weapon God has given us, we break down the enemy’s defense. We don’t just survive, we thrive. We attack with purpose, play with confidence, and score high for the Kingdom.