NFL media and fans are finally realizing the incredible story of the Minnesota Vikings. Although their quarterback Case Keenum has been an underdog, he has surprisingly helped take the Vikings to the next level.

Keenum has always been doubted and underrated – even going back to when he was only given one scholarship offer to play college football at Houston. While there he set passing records, but still went undrafted.

Since the 2012 season, he’s been cut three times…placed on the practice squad…traded…and his previous team, the Rams, didn’t resign him this past offseason.

However, the Vikings wanted him as a backup. So, when Sam Bradford went down, Keenum took over and has been one of the best QBs in the NFL this year.

He’s developed a great chemistry with wide receiver Adam Thielen (connecting on the golf course), who was also undrafted, playing his college football at Division II school Minnesota State. Together they’ve helped put the Vikings in a position to make a Super Bowl run.

Beyond Keenum’s impressive play on the field, Thielen told theBleacher Report about the character of his quarterback:

“When nobody is looking, he’s the same Case as when everybody is looking at him. A lot of people can talk about their faith. When you live it every day and act on the Word of God, it’s pretty cool to see. He doesn’t just talk; he acts upon it and leads by example. It helps me become a better person of faith.”

I am rooting for the underrated and up and coming Vikings, so hearing about the genuineness of Keenum’s integrity is very encouraging and inspiring.

When we unpack the comments made by Thielen (who even knows Keenum on the golf course), can we say that we’re the same when nobody’s looking? Does our character and integrity change from when we’re alone…to being with our buddies…to working alongside our colleagues…to serving with people at church?

Or do we represent a genuine faith and obedience, regardless of who’s around and who isn’t?

Because God knows our hearts, and people in our lives are watching us, 2 Corinthians 8:21 (NLT) is a good reminder of what we should desire: “We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.”

Proverbs 11:3 (AMP) tells us, “The integrity and moral courage of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.”

When we look at our own lives and consider Thielen’s comment, “When you live it every day and act on the Word of God, it’s pretty cool to see,” would we say this is true for us?

Today, let’s be challenged to seek this same kind of integrity and obedience as we follow Jesus – no matter where we are or who we are with.

Let’s all echo Hebrews 13:18 (AMP), “Keep praying for us, for we are convinced that we have a good conscience, seeking to conduct ourselves honorably [that is, with moral courage and personal integrity] in all things.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know You see all and You know my heart. I pray that I wouldn’t just put on a front when certain people are around, and then act differently other times. Help me to have a consistent faith and constant integrity. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.