What Christians Can Learn from Michael Jordan's Hidden Habits
These lesser known ones are actually biblical!
Okay, full disclosure I am an MJ fan.
Growing up in Chicago, I watched all of Chicago’s championship years.
Michael Jordan is considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time.
Behind his on-court success was an intense work ethic, but there are some lesser-known habits that Jordan cultivated off the court that also contributed to his greatness.
I didn’t realize that some of the hidden things he did were actually biblical wisdom.
I think his parents had a faith background of some sort, so I wouldn’t be surprised if some of this was founded from that.
As a fan of MJ, I want to highlight a few of these habits and how they resemble biblical wisdom.
1. Habit 1: He Surrounded Himself with Wise Older Mentors
Being one of the most famous athletes in the world wasn't easy. Jordan couldn't trust many people.
Yet he made one smart decision - he filled his inner circle with older, wiser men as his security team.
In the docuseries "The Last Dance," Jordan emphasized how he needed their wisdom, not just protection. He didn't want yes-men who would encourage all his desires.
Proverbs 15:22 says "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."
You can't achieve great things alone. You need a team of older, wiser mentors for guidance.
You need people who have seen things you haven’t seen. Too many people I’ve talked to with great aspirations do not have older people to guide them.
Habit 2: He Had Blessing of Supportive Parents
In Jordan's biography and the movie "Air," it's evident his rock was his mother.
Greatness doesn't happen in isolation - it's often thrust forward by a strong family system.
There's a touching scene where his mother actually helped negotiate his first shoe deal, asking for provisions
Jordan didn't think of himself.
She believed in her son.
American individualism has taught us to go it alone, but Jordan shows the power of having your family in your corner.
The Bible teaches us to honor our parents because there is blessing deposited in those relationships.
Conclusion
Greatness is not by accident.
My favorite player had habits that were actually biblically inspired that I think we can learn from as well.
You were made for greatness,
Phil