Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac was the lone player to stand during the national anthem and not wear the Black Lives Matter shirt before an NBA game following months of protests around the country. He cited the Gospel later when asked to explain his reasoning.

“I thought that kneeling or wearing the Black Lives Matter T-shirt doesn’t go hand-in-hand with supporting Black lives. My life has been supported through the gospel, Jesus Christ, everyone is made in the image of God and that we all fall short of God’s glory, and that each, and every one of us each and every day do things that we shouldn’t do, we say things that we shouldn’t say, we hate and dislike people that we shouldn’t hate and dislike, and sometimes it gets to a point where we point fingers about whose evil is worse, and sometimes it comes down to simply whose evil is most visible.”

Sports journalist Jason Whitlock said, “The walk of a Christian is the path least traveled. Issac bows to Jesus, not social media branding. He’s walking the walk!” Sports commentator Tony Dungy praised Isaac for standing for the National Anthem, saying that people should listen to him. Dungy even said he would often pray during the National Anthem as a coach. “I stood and prayed during every National Anthem for the 13 years I was a head coach.”

1 Timothy 3 – Church Practice

As an ordained minister, Jonathan Issac demonstrated godly character by standing for his faith against the crowd. Paul was also concerned with leadership in chapter 3. He continued his instructions on church practice but shifted the focus from church members to leaders. He prioritized servant leaders who are robust, tested, and have a steadfast relationship with God. He was also looking for leaders with a deep knowledge of Scripture and practicing what they preach.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete know that as leaders go, so goes the team or church. Rather than choosing to be popular, they boldly stand for Christ. Rather than choosing selfish ambition, they care more about being worthy of leadership.