Kobe Bryant and the Art of Non-Reaction Can Change Your Life Forever
What Jesus, Kobe, and the devil know that you might be missing
3-4 minute read. Audio also included for those who prefer to listen.
“When you have a pillow fight, and somebody fakes a pillow at you, don’t you at least flinch?”
On a Sunday in 2010, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers showcased one of his most legendary moments ever… and it didn’t include scoring a point.
The Lakers were facing off against the Orlando Magic and all was well, until things grew heated between Kobe and Matt Barnes of the Magic. Both players earned a technical foul, throwing Barnes into a rage.
But Kobe, despite playing from behind and being pushed around, remained calm.
After more unnecessary collisions, mostly initiated by Barnes, Kobe’s moment came.
Kobe’s Moment
Barnes had a throw-in. The stoic Kobe guarded him. Without warning, Barnes ripped a HARD pump-fake literally 2 inches from Kobe’s face.
Watch the video to see Kobe’s reaction for yourself.
(If you want to watch the full 3 minute battle, go for it. If you want to skip to the good part, begin at the 2:15 mark).
Kobe didn’t flinch.
Like Wesley from The Princess Bride, Kobe loved the pressure, except instead of being immune to the deadly poison iocaine, he was immune to taunting.
In fact, trash talk caused him to improve.
Eventually, those who compete with Kobe learn their lesson:
Don’t mess with the Black Mamba; it will only make him better.
What Comes Out When You Squeeze an Orange?
I once heard it said, “when you squeeze an orange, orange juice comes out. But what happens when you squeeze a Christian?”
We know Christ-likeness should come out. But does it? When emotions flare and everything is about to blow up in our face, how do we really react?
Remember when Jesus was 40 days deep into a fast? He was tempted by the devil at his weakest. Except instead of temptation leading Jesus into sin, it led him to the truth. Stress became his cue to recite scripture. And when he drew near to God like that, the devil fled.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8a, ESV)
The pump-fake in Kobe’s face drew him towards greatness.
The pump-fake in Jesus’ face drew him towards God.
Can we say the same?
Try This When You Get Triggered
I want to be like Kobe and Jesus when temptation strikes.
I want to learn the art of non-reaction. Or better, the art of God-reaction.
How about you?
To help, I created an experiment that has helped me overcome daily sin struggles for over four years.
5 Steps to Be More Like Kobe When Stuff Goes Wrong
Think of a recurring issue in your life. It should be one where you usually react and slip into sin. (For me, it is giving into fear when I have to make certain decisions. It can be anything though, like getting upset when your husband leaves the toilet seat up, or being offended when your someone drops another crazy political Facebook post.)
Think of how you usually react when this thing happens. You may react well on the outside, but what happens inside of you? For me, I usually feel tight in my chest, get short of breath, and make irrational choices (or don’t choose at all). Sometimes I even flip a coin to take away responsibility.
Think of a bible verse to combat your usual reaction. For me, it is 2 Timothy 1:7, which says,
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Tim 1:7 NIV)
Then decide how you’d like to react instead. For me, I want to take three deep breaths, recite 2 Tim 1:7, and make a decision in faith (no more coin flips!)
Write down your new-and-improved reaction using this template: “Next time [my recurring issue] happens, I will react by [desired future reaction] because [bible verse fact]. Thank you for loving me, Lord! I ask you to help me to always resist the devil and draw near to you.”
And lastly (bonus!),
Practice!
Why practice?
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24, NIV (emphasis added))
As we practice these things, we’re building on strong stuff. Remember your old way may try creeping back, but stick with it! Your brain will re-train towards truth, and the devil will have to flee. Before you know it, the thing the devil once used to draw you away from God will become the very thing that causes you to run to Him.
And the result will be delicious:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8a, ESV (emphasis added))
What could be better than God’s nearness?
Have a great day!
Toby DeMoss
I absolutely remember this play the night it happened! It was facinating the way Kobe didn't flinch. That is normally a normal reflex, so it is obvious his 'nerves of steel' go deeply into him. We need to develop those 'muscles' which are so battle tested that even our reflexes are changed. Great lessons in today's post. So excellent Toby!