The quiet faith of LeBron James

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By Mark Ellis —

LeBron James
LeBron James

The clues about his Christian faith are given out sparingly, but with the same assurance that has propelled the basketball superstar into a legendary status among his fans.

At a post-game appearance with reporters in 2015, James was asked if the return of two injured players would help his team (at that time), the Cleveland Cavaliers.

To the surprise of some who have questioned his faith, James’ response lifted up the name of Jesus:

“I hope we don’t think that way. It’s never that way,” he said. “When you get your guys back, you prepare just as you prepare before. There’s only one guy ever in the world that everything will be all right when He comes back and that’s Jesus Christ. Other than that, you can’t bank on nobody being OK.”

Not only did James invoke his confidence in the name of Jesus, he went beyond where most of only nominal faith will tread, by announcing his certainty in the return of Jesus, which will bring lasting peace and justice to the earth.

With his wife, Savannah
With his wife, Savannah

James was born and raised in Akron, Ohio and first gained national attention playing for St. Vincent-St. Mary Catholic High School, from which he was immediately drafted into the NBA upon graduation. At home and at school, he had Christian influences that appear to have made a lasting impression.

While he is less demonstrative about his spiritual leanings than some sports figures, he’s made public appearances in church and attended church charity basketball games near Cleveland.

In 2010, James watched as fellow-player Rodney Stuckey suffered a seizure on the court and was taken to Cleveland Clinic Hospital. James responded by calling the players together into a prayer circle, where he prayed to “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” for healing, he told reporters afterward.

While some fans would like to attribute God-like status to his abilities, James is quick to deflect such comparisons. “I’m nowhere near close (to God’s powers),” he said.

Ultimately, James knows where his gifts and talents come from. He said it isn’t due to his training or any innate qualities, but to “the grace of God above; He gave me this athleticism.”

If you want to know more about a personal relationship with God, go here

Related:

LeBron James credits ‘Man above’ for historic NBA finals win

 

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30 COMMENTS

  1. Wonderful. May LeBron grow closer and closer in his walk with God and bless others with the talents and wealth that God has given him out of His grace. God bless you, LeBron! May God give you the boldness to continue your witness publicly and proudly.

  4. YAY LeBron!!! Thanks for giving glory to Jesus! Maybe sometime you could lift up marriage as well. Love your photo with Savannah ! God bless you both.
    Ladonna

  5. The Lord is raising an army of his people. “…whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Mathew 10:32”

      • “If you men had known me, you would have known my Father also; from this moment on you know him and have seen him.”
        8 Philip said to him: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”
        9 Jesus said to him: “Even after I have been with you men for such a long time, Philip, have you not come to know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also.” Nwt (new world translation) Jesus states very clear that he is the jehovah of the old testament. Who was standing infront of Phillip when jesus said in verse 9 “whoever has seen me has seen the father also?” It was jesus standing infront of Phillip. We know Jehovah the father is the spirit and we cant see his holy spirit. Therefore it was the scripture is clearly stating jesus is God. Jesus and jehovah are the same God my brother. If they were 2 separate gods then that would mean you believe in more than one God. Pray to jehovah to let his spirit lead you to truth. Ask him to reveal himself through the son to you. Pray for wisdom understanding and for him to guard his word as it comes forth. Remember he will grant you the desires of your heart being darkness into light…. If you really want it?

  6. The battle cry of the Americans during the War for Independence, was “No king, but King Jesus.” Good to see men like Curry and James who have that down.

  8. Finals game I love how James spoke about the Lord! It makes me so happy to see players like curry, Wilson, James and Tebow publicly speak of the greatness of the Lord.

  9. May God bless you, LeBron. Yesterday I watched you playing and winning the NBA championship! Praise GOD. Your strength and your skill testify God’s word :”I can do all things through Him [Jesus] who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13

    You are a testimony for the young generation. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and keep you.

  11. Thanks LeBron for sharing your faith! Continue to acknowledge Him in EVERYTHING you do and He will direct your paths. Be Blessed! And thank you for bringing a Championship to Northern Ohio!

  12. LeBron’s actions reveal more about his faith than his words, though I glad he’s not ashamed to express that he knows where his help comes from. He’s has been thrusted into a position where young and old look up to him, whether he desired it or not. Praise God that he understand that “to whom much is given, much is required”. And, He will never put more on you than you can bear, without making a way of escape. Keep on being a good husband and father, LaBron. Thanks for lifting up the young players around you as well as all of us in CleveLAND and the world.

  13. Lord Jesus is awesome N wonderful N THE BEST JESUS IS MUCH MORE CLOSER THEN ANYONE THINKS, PEOPLE GET READY JESUS IS COMING SOON WILL BE GOING HOME N WE HAVE 2 STAY FOCUS ON JESUS COS WE’RE LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS Philippines 4/13 I CAN DO ALL THINGS IN CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME, HALLELUJAH N A VERY BIG AMEN

  14. Thanks for the Championship LEBRON love you so much and the example of JESUS in your life is awesome

  15. GOD IS A LIE. People who believe in god are only lying to themselves. God does not exist, god never has existed, God is not real, do not fall for the lies of believing in god.

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