Alabama is preparing to take on Clemson in another National Championship game, but the story stealing the headlines involves Lane Kiffin. Having done a great job as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, he is moving on to become the head coach of Florida Atlantic.

When a college football coach gets another job while his current team is still playing in the postseason (especially when it’s at Alabama and they’re competing for a championship), the situation becomes tricky.

It’s hard for the players to lose Kiffin at this point since they have counted on him all season long, so the last few weeks he has tried to balance both jobs. He’s been trying to put together his new staff and team while preparing his Alabama offense for the Playoff.

In a wild turn of events, Kiffin and Alabama head coach, Nick Saban, decided to part ways this week – just days before the Championship next Monday. There are plenty of theories as to what went into this difficult decision, but from my perspective, your offensive coordinator should be 100% committed and focused, instead of worrying about another team.

Total commitment from everyone involved is necessary to win at the highest level. A coach can’t serve two different teams and have his efforts split.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to an even greater commitment. Each day we choose to live life God’s way or our own way – we can’t do both well. If we’re holding back from being totally focused on Jesus, then we aren’t living the abundant life that’s found in Him.

If we’re still worried about hanging onto our old ways of doing things, then our lives are split and we can’t embrace all that God has for us in our new life with Him.

Just like a coach can’t serve two teams, we can’t serve two masters. If we really want to serve God above all else, then our focus on love for money or power or prestige or attention or addictions must be surrendered.

The Bible says in Matthew 6:24 (ESV), “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

As we begin 2017, who do we want to serve? Do we love God more than anything else? What are we truly devoted to? Let’s be encouraged not to hold back and divide our affections. Instead, let’s give our whole heart and efforts to the Lord. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that I can spend too much time thinking about and pursuing other things like money, power, and prestige. I pray that my full focus would be on Jesus and serving Him alone. Please give me the strength to be devoted to You and Your plan above all else. Thank you for the abundant life that’s found in Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.