Kevin Durant is one of the highest-earning NBA basketball players globally due in part to endorsement deals. Still, he has developed a reputation for philanthropy and regularly leads the league in All-Star votes and jersey sales. Durant demonstrates humility on and off the court by respecting other players, talking modestly with reporters, and contributing to charity. He even rejected the Internet-born nickname “Slim Reaper” and instead prefers to be called “The Servant.” He doesn’t regard himself more highly than he ought to because he sees God as the Lord of his life, not himself. “In the Bible, I’ve read that humility is the key, and that’s one thing I try to be every day,” says Durant.

John 13 – The Ultimate Servant

Jesus also described Himself as having a “humble heart.” He said, “I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). This Greek adjective, translated as “humble,” is derived from a verb meaning “to make low” or “to make small or insignificant.” It could be expressed by bowing, kneeling, or prostrating oneself. In chapter 13, the focus moves to the Upper Room Discourse, where Jesus demonstrates this servant attitude toward His disciples. He washed His disciples’ feet and used this example to teach them about loving humble service.

In his book Don’t Waste Your Sports, author C.J. Mahaney profiles several key qualities of the humble athlete:

1. A humble athlete recognizes his limitations.
2. The humble athlete welcomes critique and correction from coaches and teammates.
3. The humble athlete is gracious in defeat and modest in victory.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete humbly give God credit for their accomplishments and acknowledge that their athletic skill is a gift from God. They also recognize others’ contributions.

Bible Memory Verse – “Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:33-34

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Humility.

Our featured book this week is “Just Ask,” By Sarah Roberts – Devotions for the Coach’s Wife.

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