Admittedly, I am a die-hard fan of the NFL and follow the sport year-round. Last week, the NFL Scouting Combine took place in Indianapolis, with NFL draft prospects showcasing their size, speed, strength, and personalities to teams they hope will draft them. But, I can't get into it!
Although I don't pay much attention to it, some fans watch the coverage all week and follow the results of the 40-yard dash and weightlifting metrics. Some fans love the Combine and see its value.
Others, like me, don't think the Combine is a big deal. We view it as a lesser sporting event and don't care about it. We aren't worried about what's going on at the Combine and don't consider it essential or consequential like other events on the sports calendar.
However, the NFL combine does matter. It affects where these players will go in the draft, which has consequences for franchises and coaches. The Combine can help or hurt a player's stock in the draft, so NFL fans must understand that it is a key part of the process.
Even though we may like other sporting events better, we can't disregard or downplay it as fans who follow the NFL. We must take it seriously.
As we parallel this to our lives, we often have a similar mindset and perspective regarding our view of sin and spiritual practices. We frequently emphasize certain sins more than others while downplaying and disregarding others.
We say we follow Jesus, but then we ignore certain things He says. We don't like and care about specific commands as much and don't view them as a big deal, so we choose not to worry about them.
However, all sins matter, affect our lives and others', and have consequences, so we must take all sins seriously as we confess, repent, and ask God for strength to resist temptations.
Yes, as followers of Jesus, there is grace and forgiveness, but our attitude toward sin must align with a desire for obedience.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (AMP) tells us to "Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it]."
1 John 5:3 (NLT) says, "Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome."
In Luke 6:46 (ESV), Jesus asks, "Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?"
Just like some fans don't pay attention to or participate in watching the NFL combine, when it comes to spiritual practices or living out our faith, we can sometimes think certain activities don't matter and we don't care about them.
We say we follow Jesus but then downplay the need for prayer, studying God's Word, fellowshipping with other believers, serving, giving, fasting, and worshiping.
These activities can positively affect our relationship with Jesus and demonstrate our love for Him. They do matter if we desire to grow a deeper faith. Even though we may not like to worship as much as we like to serve, we can't just disregard the value and importance of worship.
Today, let's embrace all activities included in following Jesus. Let’s allow the words of Psalm 119:9-11 (AMP) to help us take an inventory of our hearts and give us the proper perspective toward all sin as we desire to seek and love God:
”How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping watch [on himself] according to Your Word [conforming his life to Your precepts]. With all my heart, I have sought You, [inquiring of You and longing for You]; do not let me wander from Your commandments [neither through ignorance nor by willful disobedience]. Your Word I have treasured and stored in my heart, that I may not sin against You."
I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not taking Your Word and clear commandments as seriously as I should. Please show me the areas I need to surrender, and give me a passion for obedience as I consider the undeserving grace and love You show me. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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