On April 22, 1954, the NBA implemented a rule that would forever change the game of basketball. The 24 second shot clock was enforced. Before the rule was enforced, there was no time limit for teams to attempt a shot. This could lead to “freeze” tactics, where teams would hold onto the ball for extended periods just to protect a lead. But the implementation of the shot clock forced players to concentrate more on speed and urgency with their offensive attack.
One important aspect about the shot clock is that it creates urgency. When players see the shot clock winding down, it forces them to move with focus, intentionality, and decisiveness. We too should remember that life is short and it’s important to move with a kingdom mindset, leading others closer to God each day. In fact, Paul writes a profound truth about the importance of using our time wisely. He says in Ephesians 5:15-16, “be very careful then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” In other words, we should seize each day that we have and make the most out of every opportunity for God because the days are evil.
Another important aspect about the shot clock is that it produces pressure. As the shot clock winds down, it can be intense and uncertain at times. Life can be this way too. James 1:2-4 encourages us to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” We all have pressures whether it is from is our school, job, families, authority figures, culture, etc. If we aren’t careful, we can let these pressures cause us to do things we might regret. It can cause us to turn bitter, run to unhealthy habits, or drive us away from the people in our lives. Or we can use those pressures to grow our faith, persevere, and trust in God to sustain us through every season.
Finally, the last aspect about the shot clock is that it resets every possession no matter what happened last play. Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14, “I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” I know I have many moments I wish I could take back, but the shot clock reminds us that all we have is right now. We can’t spend too long sulking about the past. Today is a new day and God’s mercies are new every morning.
For more inspiration, I have linked below a sermon clip below from one of my favorite pastors, Steven Furtick, about the power of a “one day win.”
The Bigger Picture: In the same way that basketball players have 24 seconds to make their move, we are given a new 24 hours every single day. Each day is a new opportunity to improve our life, bring God glory, and lead others to Jesus.
The Bigger Picture 