The Detroit Lions quarterback, Matthew Stafford, was the first overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft. Since then, he’s made the Pro Bowl and led the Lions to the playoffs three times.

Although he’s not the best quarterback in the league, Stafford has provided consistency and talent at a position the Lions weren’t used to having success, and just this week was given a contract extension worth $135 million over five years.

Earning around $27 million a year, Stafford has become the highest-paid player in NFL history!

The news has created quite a stir because not every fan or media member places his value at such a high price – especially since he’s never won a playoff game and isn’t considered an elite QB by most.

However, I tend to agree with the notion that the Lions are investing in “their guy,” and having a QB your team can trust is crucial. Of course, having Tom Brady would be great, but having Stafford beats trying to find another competent QB…just ask the Browns or Jets.

The reality is, teams must invest in the most valuable position on a football team, and end up having to pay what the market determines (based on the salary cap and comparable deals).

If a franchise like the Lions understands the significance of investing in what’s most valuable for a football team, think how critical this principle is in our own lives. Simply put, we invest our time, efforts, gifts, and money in what we find valuable.

So what do we consider truly valuable? Are we investing in what provides meaning, purpose and significance? How are we investing in our marriage? Do we appreciate the spouse we have? Are we embracing our job and church, and investing with the right attitude?

Amazing blessing comes from investing in our marriages, churches, and jobs, and we can properly do so when we’re loving and obeying God.

When we value what He values, all of our investments will reflect a life that honors and glorifies Him. When we place Him above all else, everything in our lives will be viewed through that lens.

Paul declares in Philippians 3:3 (NLT), “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…”

Today, where will we place our value and what will we invest in? I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that I would value You and Your ways above all else. I pray I would invest in what You consider valuable and important. Please help me embrace where I’m at, and what I’ve been given, and make the most of my current situation. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.