I write today’s devotional with some hesitation, disappointment, and frustration. One, because my internet is down, but mainly because I don’t enjoy writing about the mistakes of others. I know I am a sinful man in need of grace, and realize all of us are always one decision away from going down a dangerous path. That’s why each day we must take up our cross, die to our selfish desires, acknowledge our need for Jesus, and remain devoted to seeking Him moment by moment. We don’t know all of the details, but it’s being reported that Hugh Freeze has stepped down as the head coach of Ole Miss amid allegations he was calling an Escort Service. This is brutal news to hear and I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I do want to discuss the response and reactions from the sports world. Freeze is known as an outspoken Christian who is willing to talk about his faith and post-Bible verses on social media. It's been a part of his coaching persona. So when news like this breaks about a well-known man of faith, the backlash is strong. Many will point to Freeze being a phony, a hypocrite, and call him every name they can think of. Some nonbelievers love to revel in the public mistakes of prominent Christians, as it gives them an excuse to continue their disbelief in God. However, this story about Freeze doesn’t reveal there is no God but instead confirms our desperate need for a Savior. Public or private sin reminds us of just how broken and scandalous we truly are. Romans 3:23 (NLT) tells us, "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard." We need grace and forgiveness, and thankfully Jesus died for all of us since none of us are good. We don’t put our hope in a football coach or even a pastor, but we follow Jesus and depend on Him in our brokenness. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:15 (NLT), "This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners' —and I am the worst of them all.” We need a Savior because only Jesus lived a perfect life. All of us are capable of turning our backs on God, allowing pride to take us down, and choosing pleasure over obedience. However, in view of God’s love, grace, and mercy, we don’t excuse sin or accept sin. Instead, each day we look into our hearts and ask God to show us the areas of weakness that we need to surrender to Him. We can’t live a life of obedience in our own strength. A “strong Christian” is actually someone who admits how weak they are so that Christ in us provides the strength and power to overcome temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) tells us, "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure." All indications are that Hugh Freeze blew it. He didn’t have to, but he did. We, too, have moments where we don’t have to give in to temptation, but we do. The answer to how to avoid these situations is to stay focused on Jesus. As the old hymn says, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace." Today, let’s rest in grace, admit our weakness and brokenness, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! Prayer: Heavenly Father, I need You, every moment of every day. I’m not strong, I’m weak. However, my faith is in You - both to save me and to provide me a way out of temptation. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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