Do We Take Them Seriously?

In recent years, NFL fans have grown accustomed to seeing the Chiefs, Eagles, Bills, Lions, Rams, Ravens, and Bucs in the playoffs and have taken them seriously as teams capable of a Super Bowl run.

This season, new teams are entering the playoff conversation, and some of them we are even wondering if they are Super Bowl contenders. With the Chiefs unlikely to make the playoffs this year and the Eagles on a three-game losing streak, it’s opening the door for different teams to make noise in the playoffs.

The question surrounding multiple teams is, “Do we take them seriously?”

What about the 10-3 Seahawks from the NFC West? The Seahawks have a dominating defense, but can we take Sam Darnold seriously when the playoffs roll around? Remember his performance with the Vikings last season?

The Broncos and Patriots are both 11-2 and on top of the AFC with second-year quarterbacks. Do we take these teams seriously yet as Super Bowl contenders? 

The Jaguars are 9-4, on a 4-game winning streak, and in first place in the AFC South, so do we take them seriously now that Trevor Lawrence is playing better?

How about my Panthers? They are 7-6 and have been up and down all season, but the defense is forcing turnovers, and their last win was against the Rams. Is it time to take them seriously to win the NFC South division after the Bucs lost to the Saints?

Do we take the Bears and Texans seriously, given that they are still in the mix?

All of these teams are having positive seasons and taking the proper steps forward, but it’s fun to debate whether we should take them seriously as elite teams. The bottom line is, some analysts and fans really believe in them, while others are still downplaying these teams and overlooking them.

As we consider the question, “Do we take them seriously?” I want us to ask the same question regarding key verses and spiritual principles found in the Bible. Do we really believe these verses to be true, and are we living them out, or are we downplaying and overlooking them?

We hear that God loves us, but do we really take that seriously? Are we resting in His love, knowing that it is unearned and unending?

Romans 8:37-39 (ESV) reminds us, ”...we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Do we take forgiveness seriously? Do we understand that God forgives us, so we also forgive others?

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) tells us to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Do we take prayer seriously? Do we take the challenge of not worrying seriously?

Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP) says, “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

Lastly, do we take our hearts and who/what we serve seriously, and are we truly devoted to God more than anything, including money? 

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:24 (NLT), “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

Ultimately, the Bible should be taken seriously, as should our daily walk with Jesus and our fellowship with God. Let’s not overlook or downplay the truth of the gospel and the reality that God loves us, sent Jesus to die on our behalf because of our sin, was resurrected, and when we place our faith in Him, we are saved and live eternally.

Let’s take that Good News seriously! 

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you so much for Your love and Your grace and for sending Jesus to save me. Please help me to rest in Your love and take it seriously. I pray that I would also take forgiveness and my devotion to You seriously. Please help me not to worry and to take praying and trusting You with everything seriously too. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.