Adjustments Are Necessary

The first NFL regular-season game ever played in Australia ended up being less dramatic than expected, as the San Francisco 49ers dismantled the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 in front of a crowd of more than 100,000 people.

While plenty of football topics could be reviewed and dissected from the contest, one of the main talking points after San Francisco’s season-opening victory has been the two teams' opposite approaches to travel schedules.

Controversially, the Rams arrived in Melbourne about 28 hours before kickoff. Given the vast time zone difference between Los Angeles and Australia, this gave players little time to adjust their “body clocks” and be physically ready for the grind of NFL competition. 

On the other hand, San Francisco made its trip “Down Under” nearly a full week before the game. Every practice, film session, meeting, and team meal in the days leading up to the opener took place in Australia, giving players ample time to adjust to the time difference.

Many observers noted that Los Angeles’ players appeared more sluggish than San Francisco’s during the contest, leading them to conclude they hadn’t properly adjusted to the setting.

Though both head coaches tried to downplay the impact of their travel itineraries during their press conferences, it’s hard to believe their different approaches didn't play a significant role in the game's outcome. 

In an international game, teams must consider how they plan to adjust to the environment in their new location. After all, a solid game plan matters less if players aren't at their best physically.

It will be interesting to see how other teams learn from this situation and make the necessary adjustments in their own international games later this season.

Adjustments may play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of sports games, but as followers of Jesus, it’s even more important that we learn to make proper adjustments in our own lives. 

Although the concept of "adjustments" applies in many ways to the Christian life, I want to focus on three ways believers should adjust.

To live properly for Jesus, we must first have the right mindset and perspective. Good, proper thoughts always precede good actions and deeds.

That’s why Romans 12:2 (ESV) tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

We must adjust our thoughts to ensure they align with the truth of God’s Word. While we make those thought adjustments, our lives as a whole will be transformed, bringing us into greater conformity to the likeness of Christ.

Secondly, as we look to share the gospel with others, we need to be able and willing to adjust our approach to best meet people where they are. 

We don't change or alter the heart of the gospel message, but we may need to adjust how we deliver it to fit an individual's situation and circumstances.

In 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (NIV), the Apostle Paul said, “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.

“To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”

Paul never compromised his character or the content of his message, but he was willing to adjust his approach slightly to bring the gospel to people in the wisest way possible. 

Finally, we must be willing to adjust when our plans are providentially hindered. 

Though it isn't sinful for Christians to make plans for what they hope to accomplish, it can become sinful if we cling so tightly to those plans that we don't adjust when God ordains a different direction. 

We can often trick ourselves into believing success comes from accomplishing the things we set out to do. 

Biblical success, however, is defined as faithfulness to God in the midst of our current circumstances. 

For example, a parent may have good plans to accomplish certain tasks around the house on a given day. But if that parent’s children suddenly become unruly and disobedient, God expects the parent to adjust their plans and exercise faithfulness to what God calls for in the moment (in this case, disciplining the children). 

At the end of the day, it comes down to adjusting to God’s expectations for the moment rather than clinging tightly to our own expectations.

1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV) states, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

Today, let’s make the proper adjustments in our walk of faith, orienting our lives to bring God the glory and honor He deserves.

I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to be wise in the way that I make adjustments in my life so that I can best serve and honor You in every circumstance. Help me not to cling so tightly to my own plans, but to submit to Your sovereignty and providence in the things that occur in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.