The Rams organization has gone from being the Cleveland Rams...to the LA Rams...to the St. Louis Rams...and back to the LA Rams in 2016. After a few seasons in LA using the franchise’s previous colors, logo, and helmet, they recently decided to switch it up and do a rebrand.
While unveiling a new color scheme and logo (and playing with new jerseys and helmet during the upcoming season), there have been mixed opinions. Of course, fans get used to seeing their team a certain way, but management feels a change is needed to represent a new era of Rams football.
As sports fans, we know how important logos and colors are for our favorite teams, but what matters most are the players underneath the jerseys and the helmets.
The Rams can change how their team looks on the outside, but if they don’t have the right players inside their locker room and don’t make the necessary changes to the core of their roster, the rebrand will end up being a misguided attempt to sell more t-shirts.
In the business world, brands also matter. However, even when a struggling business continuously rebrands themselves, if they aren’t making changes to the inner workings of the business, the impact won’t last.
The same principle is true for each of us. We often settle for a “rebrand” by focusing on our outward behavior or how we come across to others.
But, putting on a mask and pretending we’ve got a “new color scheme” isn't dealing with the inner change that needs to happen. If we want to experience lasting change in our lives, we must begin with a true heart change.
The challenge is moving from appearing different to actually being transformed from the inside-out. In Mark chapter 7, Jesus interacts with the Pharisees and teachers of religious law who are worried about the disciples not following rituals and traditions.
He replies in verses 6-7, “'You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God."’”
Mark 7:14-15 says, “...Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. 'All of you listen,' He said, 'and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.'”
Our hearts truly change when we trust Jesus and surrender our lives to Him to do the transforming and take over all aspects of who we are.
When we receive and rest in His love and grace, our hearts are transformed because He now lives in us and changes us through His power. Ultimately, we think differently and live in a new way when we trust Him instead of ourselves.
A “rebrand” will flow from a heart change by the person underneath the jersey and helmet, but it begins with the heart. Proverbs 4:23 (AMP) tells us to "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”
So, let’s not be focused on a hollow rebrand where we're more concerned about the outer aspects of our lives. Instead, let's acknowledge that Jesus is the one who transforms our hearts, which then alters our perspective on everything else.
Today, let’s pray Psalm 51:10 (AMP): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that Christ lives in me and is the One transforming me from the inside-out. I pray Your Word and truth would penetrate my heart as I desire my life to flow from a pure heart. Thank you for Your grace and love that changes everything. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways have you tried to do a rebrand and failed because you were focused on your outward efforts?
In what ways do you feel your heart needs to change?
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