With the NFL season starting up again, analysts are making predictions and Fantasy Football owners are having their drafts. Every NFL player is put under a microscope as fans and the media determine how good they are expected to be throughout the year.

Dependability is one of the key characteristics to factor in when projecting players’ contributions and potential success. Do they get injured regularly? Do they have issues getting suspended? Do they fumble, throw interceptions, or drop passes? Can you really count on them to be reliable?

Even some of the most talented players have a tough time being trusted, and I know as a Fantasy Football owner, those are the guys I try to avoid during the drafts. If I’m expecting a player to give me points each game, but he’s questionable every other week, wanting him on my team isn’t likely.

When it comes to our own lives, would others consider us dependable? Do we live up to our word? Are we reliable to show up when we need to? Are we someone that others can always count on to come through? Do others trust us and want us on their “team?”

When representing Jesus, dependability shows integrity and sets forth a good example for people to follow. We want to remain consistent in our faith as we showcase a trustworthy commitment to loving God and others.

The Bible challenges us with this in 1 John 2:5-6 (NLT): “But those who obey God’s Word truly show how completely they love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”

While cheering for our favorite NFL team or our own Fantasy Football team, we appreciate the dependable players who consistently produce and show up in significant ways. Today, let’s stand firm in the Lord by modeling reliability that others can count on.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not always living up to my word and failing to be dependable. I’m thankful for Your grace and ask that You would strengthen me as I desire to stand firm with reliable faith and character. Thank you for the example Jesus gave us. I ask that I, too, would represent trustworthiness as others look to me. In His name, I pray, Amen.