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 – Humbly give God the Glory

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 from a verb meaning “to make low” or “to make small or insignificant.” It could be expressed by bowing or kneeling down 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 glory for their accomplishments and acknowledges their athletic skill is a gift from God. They also recognize the contribution of others.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. They will put you out of the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. These things they will do because they did not know the Father or Me.” John 16:1-3 LSB

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Humility