top of page
Writer's pictureBryce Johnson

He's Just Different

Last night, as fans we were treated to another classic Super Bowl with the Chiefs and the Eagles putting on a great show. In the end, however, it was quarterback Patrick Mahomes who led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory by making clutch play after clutch play and rallying his team after being down 10 at halftime. The Chiefs are a strong team all around and their coaching staff had a tremendous game plan, but it was Patrick Mahomes who stood out and shined on the biggest stage once again. He became the only QB in NFL history to win two league MVP awards and two Super Bowls in the first six years of his career. As sports fans, we love watching greatness and we’re always waiting for the next athlete to come along who is different from anyone we've seen before. There's no question that Mahomes does things on the field that nobody else does, and he proved once again that he makes plays with his arm and his legs that stand out and leave us stunned. There's just something different about Mahomes and the way he throws the ball while being tackled, and how he’s able to throw sidearm and across the field. Quarterbacks aren’t supposed to do what he does, but he rises above the rest as he makes plays that demonstrate there's no other quarterback like him. During the celebration last night, NFL Films captured Patrick’s dad telling his son, “I ain’t never seen anything like you. You different. I love you.” Not only does his dad recognize this, but we all see that Mahomes doesn’t fit in a box and is changing the way we view quarterbacks. He’s changing how the position is played and how offenses are run, and he’s already set himself apart as one of the best to ever do it. It’s also rare to see a player play through the kind of pain he was experiencing with his injured ankle last night. Again, he's just different. Mahomes is not only hungry and motivated to win but pulls out the very best in his teammates. As we celebrate the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win (I was pulling for the Eagles) and consider how different Mahomes is as a quarterback, I want to unpack what it means to stand out in our own lives. You and I may never develop a skill that hundreds of millions of people tune in to watch and cheer for, yet every day we have the opportunity to be set apart and to do things that nobody else is doing. When we become followers of Jesus and surrender our lives to Him, He takes over and begins transforming us to become more like Him. By the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we can shine in ways that cause people to take notice. They begin to realize there is something different about us as they see Jesus shining through us. Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT), “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) tells us “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” When we love Jesus and follow Him, we will live holy lives that are set apart from the rest of the world and how everyone else operates. We will blow people away with our kindness, compassion, generosity, and humility. Unfortunately, those things are rare, so when we demonstrate the character of Jesus, we stand out in a big way. Our motivation isn’t to rise above the rest or do great things for trophies, recognition, or applause, but rather we desire to serve Jesus, point people to Him, and love as He loves. The way we talk and the decisions that we make should show that we are different. We are all called to live holy lives as it says in 1 Peter 1:15-16 (AMP): “But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct ; because it is written, 'You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.'” Today, let’s be different as we live like Jesus, relying on His help to set us apart. Sometimes, we’ll have to play through pain, but let’s always hunger for righteousness and look for ways to elevate our teammates around us. When we do, we'll stand out and Jesus will shine through us. I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would help me live a holy life where my actions and words stand out above the rest. Please continue to change my character so I can be more like Jesus. I ask that Jesus would shine through me, and help me point others to You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:

1. How have you taken advantage of opportunities to stand out among the rest because of your faith and character? 2. What areas of your life do you need to pursue holiness?

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentarios


bottom of page