Do We Take Them Seriously?

The first four weeks of the NFL season have brought plenty of surprises, with teams getting off to stronger starts than we expected. Of course, we can count on the Bills, Seahawks, and Chiefs to be among the top teams, and all three are Super Bowl contenders.

But when we look at the standings and see teams we weren’t necessarily counting on, the question is, “Do we take them seriously?”

The Minnesota Vikings are 4-0 and have an impressive defense, but can they keep winning? According to Kevin Seifert of ESPN, the Vikings are now the third team to start 4-0 despite failing to score a touchdown in multiple games. Can we take a team seriously that can’t consistently get into the end zone?

The Raiders are 3-1 after losing a tight one to the Chiefs on Sunday and look like a different team with Kirk Cousins at quarterback and Klint Kubiak as their new head coach. Are we ready to take them seriously as a playoff contender? Or do we overlook them because they’re the Raiders?

The Cleveland Browns are 3-1 and tied for first place in the AFC North with the Ravens. Do we believe they are legit, and are we taking them seriously to keep this level of play going? Or do we downplay them because they’re the Browns?

John Harbaugh is attempting to turn the New York Giants around, and they are off to a 3-1 start, but can we take them seriously with backup Jameis Winston at quarterback?

The 49ers are 4-0, but are we ready to take them seriously as a team that can get back to the Super Bowl?

What about the Jaguars at 3-1? Do we think they can make a deep playoff run, and believe it’s time to take them seriously as a Super Bowl contender?

The Falcons have won two straight and are now 2-2 while running all over teams. So, with Michael Penix as their starter, are we willing to take them seriously as the favorite to win the NFC South, or do we take the Panthers more seriously after their big win against the Lions?

While many surprising teams are taking the right steps forward early in the season, we still have to debate whether to take them seriously as elite teams. The bottom line is that some analysts and fans really believe in them, while others still downplay and overlook 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 are true and live them out, or do we downplay and overlook them?

We hear that God loves us, but do we really take that seriously? Are we resting in His love, knowing that it’s 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, we should take the whole Bible seriously, as well as 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 His Son Jesus to die on our behalf to save us from our sin, He was resurrected, and that when we place our faith in Him, we are forgiven and live eternally.

Let’s take that Good News seriously! 

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your love and grace, and for sending Jesus to save me. Please help me to rest in Your love and take it seriously. I pray that I 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.