The Dallas Cowboys are 5-1 after a huge win yesterday in Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. They continue to be led by the impressive rookie quarterback, Dak Prescott, who has been filling in for the injured Tony Romo. Playing with poise and protecting the football, the team seems to be responding well to Prescott.
As a result, the Cowboys find themselves in a dilemma: who starts at quarterback when Romo is healthy? Does Dallas keep rolling with the new-look team…or do they go back to the veteran who has been “the guy” for so long? Do they stick with the rookie who they aren’t completely comfortable with because he has a small sample size…or do they give the ball back to the old quarterback with all of the experience?
I’ll admit, I have no idea what the Cowboys should or will do. I’m a Romo fan, and would be bummed if he loses his starting job because of an injury, but how can you send Prescott to the bench after he’s played so well this season? It seems like this new quarterback has brought great hope to Dallas, so why would they go back?
When I begin to think about the decision the Cowboys face regarding their new and old quarterback, I find we regularly face a similar decision in our own lives. When we become followers of Jesus, we are given a new life with a fresh outlook and tremendous hope. However, our former life is still there watching from the sideline, and begging to come back in.
When we make the decision to move forward with our new perspective and new heart because of Jesus, we have to continually look to Him for strength to resist the desire to get sucked back into our former way of living. We may hang out with old friends who want us to stay the way we were, or we allow former mindsets to sneak in. If we aren’t consistently aligning our hearts with Christ, our old desires can easily return.
The Bible gives us great encouragement in Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT): “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
A new quarterback has transformed the Cowboys into a different team, but they are feeling the pull to go back to their former leader. Today as we begin the week, let’s remember that the new life we’ve been given because of Jesus far exceeds our former way of doing things. Let’s hold on to the truth, and allow the Spirit to guide us as we live our new life in Christ. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross on my behalf. I’m thankful for the new life I have because of Him. Please give me the strength to keep looking forward and not give in to the pull of my former way of life. I pray the Spirit will renew my thoughts and attitudes. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
