As NFL teams begin their training camps, there is a clear distinction between rookies and veteran leaders. The older players have been around the league for a while and understand what it takes to succeed and survive in the competitive sport of football. They have already learned the dos and don’ts based on their own mistakes and experiences.

Rookies excitedly come into the league with a desire to live the “NFL life,” but many have the wrong mindset – filled with cockiness and an attitude of already having things figured out.

The players who end up benefiting from each other are the ones who embrace their new role. Veterans who are willing to be mentors, and come alongside the young guys, can help prevent them from making the same mistakes they made. Rookies who come into the league with humility and a willingness to listen to advice and instruction, are the ones who will last.

In football and life, people surprisingly make the same mistakes over and over again by not accepting the warnings from the ones who have already walked a similar path. Each year, rookies are lectured on what to avoid when entering the NFL, yet we hear the same problems with every new group of players. Instead of listening to the suggestions and tips, many end up going down the wrong path.

In our own lives, all too often we don’t listen to our parents or older siblings or co-workers because we’re too stubborn to follow their guidance. Despite their warnings, we do our own thing and end up making poor decisions.

The Bible gives us simple encouragement in Proverbs 19:20 (ESV): “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”

I believe veterans should be willing to give advice, and rookies should humbly listen with open ears – on and off the football field. As followers of Jesus, let’s absorb lessons from those who are further along in their faith journey while assisting those who are new to following Him.

In all areas of life, let’s desire wisdom and share wisdom…and take the proper steps to truly live by it. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m thankful that You are the author of wisdom. I pray that You will speak through the people in my life that have Biblical instruction and advice to share with me. I pray that I would receive it and seek it out humbly. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.