FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

There’s a great story about the famous basketball player Michael Jordan. It goes something like this…

Before he was called the GOAT, athletic legend Michael Jordan had a deep passion for the game of basketball. When he initially was being courted by the Chicago Bulls, he refused to sign the contract as offered. The reason? The contract specified that he was not allowed to play any pick-up basketball games.

Understandably, this stipulation was there in most contracts to ensure athletes avoided injuries in any situation outside of their professional responsibilities of playing in the NBA. No pick-up games. No charity games. No surprising impressionable youngsters when walking by on the streets of downtown Chicago.

Jordan refused to sign his contract without a clause that allowed him to play wherever and whenever he wanted to. NBA players, owners and other interested parties held their breath. Would the Bulls let the superstar walk…or allow him to dictate his terms.

In the end, Jordan was successful in putting that clause in his contract. He was permitted to play pick-up, alumni and charity games at his choosing, and or work on his sport without limit. In doing this, he set a precedent for the entire NBA and probably also ensured his future title as the 'Greatest of All Time'.

Do you know what that clause was called? THE LOVE OF THE GAME clause.

It makes me wonder about my own chosen vocation of music and ministry. Am I still writing, recording and releasing music for the sheer enjoyment of it? Am I leading worship and training others primarily because of my love for God and the call I believe is on my life to do so? And, am I doing so even at the risk of injury to myself? In other words, am I willing to suffer for it?

It’s a worthy challenge and a worthwhile question, for me at least. Would I hold out, and only sign up for a life of faith ‘for the love of the game’? I want to say yes. What about you?