Basketball saw a tough day on 26 January 2020, with the passing away of Kobe Bryant. With 5 major NBA Championship wins with the Los Angeles Lakers and as a 2-time Olympic Gold Medallist with Team USA, the ‘Black Mamba’ won not just titles, but the respect and love of millions.
Kobe famously said, ‘I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant’. Was that arrogance or confidence? Kobe spent hours of training and discipline in perfecting his skills and pushing himself physically and mentally. And it paid off. His raw determination pivoted him to the world stage.
‘Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.’ (Prov. 22:19)
That incredible level of excellence was not only Kobe’s work ethic but part of his core DNA (his life principles so to speak!). This set him apart from every other basketball player. Later, taking responsibility for allegations of assault, Kobe navigated the incredible low as a springboard to a high he wouldn’t come down from anytime soon!
‘Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.’ (Heb. 13:7)
Today the world respects Kobe for who he was based on the evidence of what he did. NBA superstars look up to him and his life overflowed into even coaching his daughter’s basketball team. In short, KOBE = IMPACT.
Our lives impact the world and people around us. Ultimately, our choices to live with excellence and faith, whose practical evidence inspires other lives and spirals into a transformed world is the game-changer!
A ‘Kobe-challenge’ takes us a step beyond just the feel-good faith or moment. Maybe you believe in God, maybe you believe in yourself, but regardless of whether your ‘faith’ and 'belief' is real or not, it is best displayed in the life-changing impact you make on your world.
Kobe’s world was his family and the basketball court. Today, both spaces are forever marked by his choices. Look around...you've got your world in your hands. Will you step up to take the Kobe challenge to change your world?