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The world of a professional basketball player can be filled with money, women, cars, fame, and of course the game itself. It’s more than some players can handle…but others have found a different way. They see beyond the glitter of the game to a higher calling. These guys are Christians.

AVERY JOHNSON

Head Coach— Dallas Mavericks

Coach Johnson relates his personal story. “After a long night of drinking in July 1989, everything changed. I hadn’t planned on going to church that morning, but then I got a touch on the shoulder and something seemed to be telling me that I needed to go to church.”

“The pastor preached a message that morning about being fully committed to Christ. I don’t know how else to explain it except to say that I suddenly felt the call to truly trust Christ. I had one foot in and one foot out. You’re either hot or you’re cold, and I wanted to be hot. That day I decided that

I wanted to be different. I wanted to put my faith in Jesus once and for all.”

“You know, I’ve been on that journey for a number of years now, and I can honestly say that it’s the best decision I ever made.”

Avery Johnson was named the 2005–06 NBA Coach of the Year.

DWIGHT HOWARD

Forward/Center— Orlando Magic

As the number one draft pick in 2004, straight out of high school, many people have some very high expectations for Dwight. You see, Dwight Howard does not yet believe the world revolves around him.

“God is showing me that I have to stay humble and not let people or fame and other things that go with being the first pick get to me,” Howard says. “God has showed me to stay focused on Him and do my job, and not to focus on anything that will stand in the way of worshiping Him.”

“I know it will take a little time to get adjusted to the NBA, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be the best. I’m going to succeed the right way. God has shown me to stay focused. I’m not going to let anything get in my way of worshiping Him or being the best basketball player.”

MARVIN WILLIAMS

Forward— Atlanta Hawks

Marvin Williams, selected No. 2 overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA draft, has never talked a big game. Whether dominating local courts as a point-forward for the Knights of Bremerton High, or helping the North Carolina Tar Heels to a national championship, the 6-foot-9 athlete has deferred credit for his successes and downplayed his eye-popping talent.

Marvin understands human frailty—especially his own. He understands that all he has—the talent, the work ethic, the money—are gifts. “God blesses us all every day,” he says. “Without Him, none of this would be possible, so you’ve definitely got to just give the glory to Him.”

MICHAEL REDD

Guard— Milwaukee Bucks

We have all been confronted with challenges at some point in our lives, and how we respond reveals a great deal about our confidence, our faith—and wherein it lies. Michael Redd is no exception.

“I’ve been through some things, but I’ve put my life in God’s hands, and I’ve passed those tests.”

“Since I’ve had the Lord Jesus Christ in my life, miraculous things have happened to me,” Redd says. “I just thank God every day for Him blessing me and showing me favor, when I’m not worthy of any of that. I keep Him first, and I’m diligent in keeping Him first.”

“I rejoice, man. I really do,” he says. “I praise God even more. We as Christians have a great call in our lives, but in order to have a great call in your life, you have to go through great tribulations.”

DEREK ANDERSON

Guard— Miami Heat

Derek Anderson pursues his own path directed by God. One way he does this is through the Derek Anderson Foundation. Through the Foundation, Anderson provides life-changing “assists,” as they are called, to disadvantaged young people in his hometown of Louisville through basketball camps and college scholarships.

“Giving back is not just money and saying what you’re going to do. It’s seeing somebody’s life change from nonbeliever to believer, from not seeing to seeing God’s will, not their own,” says Anderson with a serious fervency on his face that temporarily replaces what is an almost ever-present atomic smile.

“It’s about God. He’s never going to change whether you’re white, black, blue, green, seven feet, or six-two. My foundation is to let people see who I am so they don’t think it comes from what I’ve done but from my belief.”

These basketball players all have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that controls and shapes their lives, both on and off the court. You can too. Here’s how:

The Game Plan

Would you like to know that God has forgiven you? Here’s what to do.

1. Recognize the Problem

You can’t get to God on your own. Sin put a roadblock between you and God. Romans 3:23 says,

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

2. Understand the Plan

God knew we needed a Savior, so He sent Jesus Christ to earth. Jesus never sinned, so He was the perfect sacrifice. When He died, Jesus took our sins on Himself. Then He arose from the dead to prove His power over sin, death, and hell. Romans 4:25 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

3. Accept God’s Salvation

Jesus’ death and resurrection gives you the opportunity to accept the gift of eternal life—meaning that your soul will live in God’s presence forever. But you have to accept this gift. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death [being separated from God forever], but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Here’s how you accept the gift: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

You can pray something like this:

Dear God, Thank You for sending Jesus to earth to die in my place. Thank You that He rose from the dead. I realize that I’m a sinner, and I need Your forgiveness. Please forgive my sins as I put my faith in Jesus and His sacrifice. Thank You for solving my sin problem. Amen.