Head vs. Heart
- The Narrow Path
- Jul 19, 2024
- 3 min read
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people (Ephesians 1:18, NIV).
John Calipari led Kentucky to four Final Fours, and a national championship in 2012. However, there was something missing over his last 5 seasons that had led many fans to begin pleading for a new leader of the program.
72 hours after Mark Pope, a former Kentucky player and team captain of the 1996 National Championship team, was announced as the new head coach, there was a public press conference where 20,000 fans gathered at Rupp Arena to welcome him home.
It was an unforgettable day as a Kentucky fan. There was a level of excitement, and anticipation that I hadn’t felt inside Rupp Arena for a long time. On the drive home, the Lord put something on my heart: The difference between John Calipari, and Mark Pope could be summed up by comparing head knowledge, and heart knowledge.
In a state with no professional teams, there is a different depth of passion and investment in the program. Kentucky basketball represents part of who we are, and it unifies us as we passionately join together to support the team. That equates to heart knowledge.
Mark Pope shed blood, sweat, and tears as part of the 1996 National Championship team. He shared publicly that as he walked to the free throw line to secure the victory in the championship game his main thought was, “If I don’t make this free throw, Kentucky fans are going to kill me.”
I don’t think Cal’s head knowledge of our program, based on statistics and historical success, ever made its way to heart knowledge. And that isn’t necessarily his fault. I believe Mark Pope’s experience as a player gives him heart knowledge, and thus, makes him a great fit for the job.
Just as I believe heart knowledge of the Kentucky basketball program can make for a better coach, I know that heart knowledge of the Word of God makes for a better follower of Jesus. I’ll never forget the day I sat in front of my counselor and we talked about the difference between head and heart knowledge.
I could recite a few Bible verses by memory, but was I able to recall, and apply them to my life in moments of challenge, and attack? Head knowledge only becomes heart knowledge when we know the depth of God’s Word in a way that brings out His truth in the most difficult moments.
It’s not easy, and it’s a process that requires walking through a lot of difficult moments. Keeping God’s Word close to my heart despite my circumstances has taught me to walk in the hope to which He has called me. The prayer of Ephesians 1:18 alludes to this: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.
From an outside perspective, the difference between John Calipari and Mark Pope in regard to the Kentucky basketball program may not seem that different. But at a deeper level, the difference is clear. The same is true of followers of Jesus who have head vs. heart knowledge.
Mark Pope always says his time at the University of Kentucky changed his life forever. As much as I love Kentucky basketball, there is nothing that compares to knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
I can promise you that walking with Jesus is beyond what you can imagine. Commit today to doing whatever it takes to store Jesus’ truth in your heart. It will be the most important thing you have ever done.
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