I’m a big believer in kids playing multiple sports in their growing up years. I loved participating in basketball and soccer, as well as, swimming. Kids have enough time and energy to try out a bunch of different sports.
Eventually, the top athletes are forced to choose one to focus all of their attention. A big story in the news right now is the choice Kyler Murray is contemplating.
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Oklahoma is a great football and baseball prospect. He already signed a minor league deal with the Oakland A’s, but this week he declared for the NFL Draft and all indications point toward choosing football over baseball.
In making this decision, there are lots of layers to it. He must consider what sport he loves more, what lifestyle he prefers, the effects each has on his body, and how much money he can earn.
The fact that Murray has to actually make a choice between two professional sports is intriguing to consider. Some may ask why he can’t play both, but the demands on an NFL quarterback are too much. He wouldn’t be able to split his time, energy, and attention, and he couldn’t continue to go back and forth.
Being a successful NFL quarterback requires a single focus, complete dedication, and no distractions. It’s too difficult for a player to give 100 percent to throwing touchdowns and hitting home runs.
Oakland A’s beat writer tweeted: “Some rumblings in recent days about Kyler Murray trying to play both baseball and football going forward, but a source close to the situation tells me that would not be possible. It’s an either/or situation because of the intense everyday demands of playing QB in the NFL.”
Each of us faces “either/or” decisions, as well. Being a follower of Jesus requires a commitment to choose to be all in on His way. We must pursue the path of obedience and be truly surrendered to Him.
However, when our mind is split and we’re distracted by what the world offers, we’re no longer fully focused on Jesus.
1 Corinthians 7:35 (NLT) tells us, “I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.”
Just like Murray can’t throw touchdowns and home runs at the same time, we can’t feed our selfish desires while also obeying God. We can’t worship and serve God and chase worldly idols at the same time.
Luke 4:8 (NIV) explains, “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”’”
Matthew 6:24 (NIV) says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Murray tried to play football and baseball for as long as he could, but it’s not sustainable. He has to choose one or the other.
Likewise, instead of going back and forth between life with God and living life our own way, let’s choose to be all-in and fully devoted to Him and Him alone.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I don’t want to be double-minded, but rather fully focused on You. I want to be committed and not distracted. I desire to be all-in instead of going back and forth. I find my strength in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
