It’s been another NFL season centered on conversations about bad calls made by refs. Every game seems to include a controversial decision that raises questions concerning a particular play. This ongoing issue with refs has led to a push to make their jobs full-time.

NFL executive, Troy Vincent, told The Associated Press he expects the league to hire as many as 17-full-time officials for the start of next season. This is a dramatic change, as the officiating crews are currently only part-time with other jobs outside of the NFL.

I really do believe this will be a game-changer and I’m rooting for it to happen. Consistency and effectiveness would be great benefits for the NFL and its fans. Instead of splitting their time and efforts between jobs, officials would finally have a singular focus. They would go from being Sunday refs to everyday refs who devote time to improving their craft.

As we consider our own lives, would we say we are following Jesus full-time or part-time? Do we just show up for church on Sundays to focus on our faith, but then shift our attention to everything else in life on Monday morning? How much more impact would we have if we were a full-time follower? How much growth and improvement would we experience if we took our faith seriously beyond Sunday mornings?

The truth is, God’s love for us is immeasurable and He wants us to experience the joy and peace found in Him each day. He is worthy of serving and worshiping full-time!

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:1-2 (ESV). “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

As the NFL realizes part-time effort from their refs isn’t the best option, let’s commit to full-time devotion and obedience to Jesus. Today, let’s present our bodies as a living sacrifice. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to follow Jesus full-time and not settle for being distracted by everything the world is throwing at me. I pray my focus wouldn’t shift away from You when Monday comes, but instead be wholly committed to Your will each day. I need your strength. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.