Have you ever thought the small things didn’t really matter? Have you ever wanted to skip past them and get to something important? John Wooden, former coach of the UCLA Bruins, won more NCAA championships than any coach in history — ten national titles in twelve years. What did he teach his players to guarantee top-level performance? You’d think he’d unveil some brand-new offense, something no opponent had ever seen. Instead, he taught them how to put on their socks and tie their shoes. No kidding. Each season, Coach Wooden showed his players how to smooth out sock-wrinkles around the toe and heel, and how to double-knot their laces. Why? Blisters. In the closing minutes of a close game, the player without blisters performs better. That simple, basic detail helped produce a string of national championships. Attention to detail, Wooden said, creates success in basketball, business, and life. His focus on fundamentals like running drills and executing plays is what gave his team quiet confidence and made them nearly impossible to beat. He never relied on last-minute pep talks. He just helped his players master the basics, because excelling at the basics wins ball games. Paul told the Corinthians, “Hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you” (1 Corinthians 11:2), prefacing it with, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” The basics of spiritual growth never change whether you are a new believer or an old saint, not for television preachers or those who serve in obscurity. A dynamic spiritual life requires the same effort from every Christian, regardless of nationality, income, influence, or education. There are no tricks and no shortcuts to winning spiritually. The only way to excel is to do the basics: daily prayer, daily Bible study, daily worship, daily service, daily fellowship. These are the fundamentals of the faith, and we never outgrow our need for them. Spending time alone in prayer, memorizing a verse, visiting someone lonely- these may feel about as exciting as putting on your socks. But when you do them right, with the right heart, they open the door to greatness. Jesus said, “You have been faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” The Lord is in the details. This week, remember to do the basics and God will reward your faithfulness.