The Art of Following Through: Lessons from Michael Jordan and Abraham

In the world of sports, Michael Jordan is a legend not just for his skill, but for his unparalleled commitment to excellence. One of the most notable aspects of his game was his ability to "follow through" on his shots, a technique that ensured his actions were carried out with intention and precision, leading to unmatched success on the basketball court. He did this so well that actually shot free throws once with his eyes closed during a game in 1991. And as amazing, competitive, and slightly disrespectful as this is, there's a very valuable lesson that we as believers should take from this: 

This concept of follow-through can extend far beyond the hardwood, serving as a powerful metaphor for commitment and persistence in our spiritual lives.

The biblical story of Abraham serves as a profound example of spiritual follow-through. In Hebrews 11:8-10, we see Abraham, called by God to leave his home without knowing where he was going, responding with unwavering faith. Abraham's journey was not just a physical relocation but a testament to the essence of true followership – a concept deeply rooted in the Christian faith and highlighted through the practice of following Jesus' call to "Come, follow me..." (Matt. 4:19).

In 1988, Robert Kelley introduced the concept of "followership," emphasizing the role of followers in shaping leadership and organizational outcomes. This perspective is crucial in the church's context, where the dynamic between leaders and followers transcends mere obedience to co-create the future through mutual engagement and faith.

Abraham's trial, as detailed in Genesis 22, underscores the essence of followership through his readiness to obey God's command to sacrifice his son Isaac. This narrative is not just about Abraham's willingness to follow God's instruction but also about his unwavering faith in God's provision. His actions, driven by obedience and trust, exemplify the depth of commitment required in our walk with God.

Following through, as Abraham did, involves more than mere compliance; it is about actively engaging in the process of faith, even when the path ahead is unclear. It requires us to lay down our "Isaacs" - our most treasured possessions, dreams, and even our future (just to turn up the intensity, I'll add that we may be asked to lay them down even if it seems God promised them to us Himself!) - trusting that God's plans for us are greater than anything we can imagine.  

Bible and theology professors Rick Langer and Joanne Jung argue that leadership is rooted in followership, suggesting that to lead well, one must first follow well first. Abraham's story illustrates this beautifully. Despite the potential loss of his son, he descended the mountain not with sorrow, but with the assurance of God's promise to make him the father of many nations (Gen. 22:18).

This narrative challenges us to examine our own lives: What is our "Isaac" that we need to lay on the altar? Are we prepared to follow through with the worship and sacrifice God is asking of us? Michael Jordan's follow-through on the basketball court was a result of discipline, practice, and commitment. Similarly, our spiritual follow-through requires us to act with intention, guided by faith and obedience, understanding that true followership is the foundation upon which leadership and purpose are built.

In conclusion, whether on the basketball court or in our spiritual journey, the principle of follow-through is crucial. It's about completing what we've started, trusting in the process, and believing in the promise of what lies ahead. Like Abraham, let us be remembered not just for the steps we've taken, but for how we faithfully followed through, even when the path was uncertain.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church