READ: GALATIANS 5: 16-25
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (V.25)
READ: GALATIANS 5: 16-25
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (V.25)
Sonny Vaccaro was a sports marketing executive with Nike in 1984. He led the effort to sign Michael Jordan to a basketball shoe endorsement contract. This transformed Nike into the premier sports footwear company in the world. George Raveling, Michael’s 1984 Olympic Coach and mentor and a friend of Vaccaro, was the key person who encouraged Jordan to sign the 2.5-million-dollar Nike deal. However, it was Vaccaro and the Nike staff who came up with the idea for a signature sneaker and the legendary “Air Jordans” were born. These sneakers helped solidify Jordan’s identify as the greatest basketball player in the world. This self-branding concept produced $4 billion in corporate revenue and an additional $1 billion for Jordan whose contract called for profit sharing. Of course, none of this would have happened had Jordan not fully committed himself to excellence on the basketball court. It was his play that gave credence to the value of his signature. Today, Michael’s identity as “Air Jordan” continues to propel his success as a businessman.
Reality dictates that only a minute percentage of the world’s population will ever have a “signature identity” worth billions of dollars. There is unlimited opportunity for us to embrace an identity that can transform the lives of those who fall within our circle of influence. That identity is achieved by becoming an active follower of Jesus Christ. It requires surrender to His leadership for our lives and following the daily lead of the Holy Spirit. This takes total commitment and discipline. Satan constantly produces temptations and desires that cause spiritual tension. Following our “spiritual head coach” and mentor, Jesus, we are able to ward off any of Satan’s attempts to get us to sign his endorsement contract for the price of our souls. King Jesus will help us take spiritual flight that allows us to achieve the ultimate victory and secure our “signature identity!”
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Michael Jordan had to commit all of his energy, strength and talent to remain at the peak of proficiency on the basketball court to maintain the worth of his signature identity. We need to surrender all of our selfish desires and evil tendencies to Christ and then commit to the lead of the Holy Spirit. This will make a profound difference for Him as we live out our spiritual identity every day.
Dear Jesus, your signature identity was inscribed upon The Cross. Help me write it upon every facet of my life and share it with those you have called me to serve.