As a point guard I’ve learned the value of awareness on a basketball floor.

When I first started out, coaches handled most of this for me: calling plays, setting defensive matchups, recognizing mismatches and so on. As I continued playing and became older, coaches allocated much of this responsibility onto me, and I saw first hand just how much there is to pay attention to on the floor: who has the hot hand, where teammates should go, defenders' positioning, opponents' tendencies, danger areas on the floor and more!

Any sport you dive into will present so much more to think about and be aware of than is seen on the surface. When do you over-protect the third baseline defensively? Which cornerback bites on play fakes more easily? How can I score on an indirect free kick? And don’t get me started on all those golf rules!

All of this may seem arbitrary, but in reality, being aware of even the smallest details provides a distinct advantage and is key to performing at the highest level. If this is true in the sport world, how much more so in the real world?

Developing good life awareness helps us to live more as God intended and, in turn, have more joyful, fulfilled lives. This awareness requires humility and honesty, self evaluation and prayerful evaluation. I must know myself – my strengths, weaknesses and struggle areas – and recognize the tendencies and strategies my opponent, Satan, regularly employs. I must not give him an opportunity to help me stumble (Ephesians 4:27).

Consider suggesting a group movie night instead of watching alone with your significant other, to prevent crossing boundaries. Or consider taking a social media hiatus to avoid constantly seeking the approval of others, many whom you’ve never met! Or think about finding another show to watch that doesn’t use crude or obscene language.

Lest we deceive ourselves into thinking steps like these are unnecessary and a bit radical, Jesus didn’t seem to think an eye or hand was worth saving if either caused me to stumble. What do you think He would say about a movie or TV series you are watching (Matthew 5:29,30)?

These steps could be unique for everyone because my dangers can be different than your dangers. But the more honest we are with ourselves and each other, the more we will see we share similar struggles and are able to help, encourage and exhort one another to share in the good life found only in Jesus (Hebrews 3:12,13).

Reflect: Am I honest with myself when it comes to dangers I struggle with that can cause me to stumble? What step can I take to prevent this situation from happening?