The Opposite is True

It was another wild NFL Sunday filled with dramatic comebacks, surprising winners, and disappointing showings. For many of the games, what actually happened was the exact opposite of what most people expected to see, based on recent weeks and their pre-season beliefs.

It’s amazing how the opposite of what seemed to be true can change as the season goes along. It’s also evident how often the media’s storylines or narratives they push all week or in the offseason don’t always line up when the games are played.

During the majority of the game yesterday, the New York Giants were dominating the Denver Broncos, carrying the momentum from last week’s big win against the Eagles and causing everyone to believe the Giants were a team on the rise, heading in the right direction.

However, now the opposite is true. The 4th quarter saw the Broncos outscore the Giants 33-13, resulting in a huge comeback win after being down 26-8 with six minutes left. Currently, the Giants are 2-5, with people no longer thinking Brian Daboll should remain as the head coach.

The Los Angeles Chargers started as one of the hottest teams at the beginning of the season, winning their first three games, beating each team in their division. We started thinking they were a Super Bowl contender, but now they are 4-3 coming off a tough loss at home to the Colts, and it’s getting harder to keep believing that. Plus, most people thought the Colts would be average to below average, but instead they are 6-1 with Daniel Jones as their starting QB.

A few weeks ago, the Carolina Panthers started off 0-2, losing to the Cardinals and Jaguars, leading many to believe they were the same old Panthers and the season would be a disaster. There were plenty of criticisms and questions about the defense being horrible again. Now the opposite is true, as the playoffs are a consideration after going 4-1 in their last five games with the defense getting sacks, stopping the run, and causing turnovers.

Remember, after their slow start to the season, many thought the Chiefs were done? Well, now the opposite is true as they dominated yesterday against the Raiders 31-0, proving that the reality is they are still one of the best teams in the league.

At one point, we were misled to believe that Ram’s QB Matthew Stafford’s bad back would limit him this season. Well, the opposite is true as he just threw for five touchdowns in a 35-7 win over the Jaguars. 

So far this season, there are countless examples of things not being what we thought they would be, and many storylines that people bought into turned out to be wrong.

Whether or not we like the results of the NFL season so far, and whether they lined up with our personal beliefs of what should have happened or went along with the media’s opinions, ultimately the truth is revealed on the field…and oftentimes it turns out to be the opposite of what most thought.

When it comes to the world we live in, many people believe life should be a certain way based on their own opinions or ones they've heard from others and have bought into "storylines" that culture has told us are true.

However, when we look to God’s Word and understand what He reveals to us, we realize that the opposite of what we once thought is actually the truth. What the world thinks life is all about is much different than God's design. The "team" that prevails turns out to be the opposite of what most think.

For example, many people consider gaining everything this world has to offer (money, success, fame, power, and pleasure) as the goal of life and the ultimate satisfaction to chase. 

However, Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:39 (AMP), “Whoever finds his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], and whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].”

Wait, isn’t the main point of every day to get as much as we can and do whatever selfishly feels good?

No, we’ve been misled previously, but as followers of Jesus, we know the reality of living according to God’s truth is that we sacrifice, surrender, and obey the One who created us and calls us to live a selfless life that looks like the opposite of what the world says. 

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV) says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Paul encourages us in Acts 20:35 (NLT), “...You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

The world also tells us it’s all about doing what's easy, being self-made and strong and powerful, and never showing any weakness. Yet, the truth is that God works in amazing ways when we’re weak, humble, and willing to embrace difficulties.

In 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NIV), Paul describes how he pleaded with God to take away the thorn in his flesh, but God told Him, “'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.'”

Paul writes, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 

Jesus also says in Matthew 5:10 (AMP), “Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].”

We also know that the world stirs up anger and wants us to hate people who are different than us, but Jesus calls us to do the opposite. He says in Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV), “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

The more we know Jesus and understand the example He’s given us to follow, the more we’ll learn to do and believe the opposite of what we used to do and think. We’ll surprise people and stand out when our lives don’t line up the way the world told us they should.

Today, NFL fans can’t deny what was revealed during the games on Sunday and throughout the season so far, and although much of it has been the opposite of what most believed, we know it’s the truth of Week 7.

Likewise, as we follow Jesus, we can’t deny what God reveals through His Word. Although it’s the opposite of what the world believes, we know it’s the truth. Today, let’s choose to live according to it!

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You renew my mind and help me to think rightly. Teach me to embrace Your truth, even when it's the opposite of what I used to think or what the world tells me is true. I know Your way is the best. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.