As I think about Sunday’s Championship games and the wins by the Rams and Patriots, two images come to mind.

After the Rams won, head coach Sean McVay went nuts and reminded us that a 33-year-old can still celebrate with enthusiasm like a 12-year-old. Of course, he eventually realized he had to gather his composure in order to walk over and shake hands with Saints head coach, Sean Payton.

The other image was Tom Brady running around the field like a kid on Christmas morning. His face showed sheer elation after throwing off his helmet, and he grabbed anyone he could to celebrate the triumphant moment.

There is no question that both of these men love football and love winning. They couldn’t help but express themselves with displays of joyous emotion.

It doesn’t matter that McVay is the young head coach going to his first Super Bowl or Brady is the old quarterback heading to his 9th, they both demonstrated outright zeal in the aftermath of their team’s win.

Zeal is defined as “great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.” As fans, we celebrate in a similar way when our favorite teams achieve victory, and we appreciate the passion of coaches and players after they get a big win.

But what about the zeal in our own lives? Are we more like McVay when he’s freely excited or when he’s composed and keeping his happiness subdued?

Unfortunately, all too often we lack zeal and celebration in our lives. We’re either worrying about what others will think…or already moving on to the next thing…or living with a sense of entitlement. We lack joy and excitement because we lack gratitude and satisfaction.

I’m not saying we have to skip around the house every day, but if we allow the truth of the Gospel of Jesus to stay at the forefront of our minds and hearts, we’ll be led to a worshipful and enthusiastic life.

Romans 12:11 (NIV) says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

When we realize we don’t deserve the grace we’ve been given or all the many blessings we receive, our souls are filled with thankfulness and an enthusiasm to serve the Lord.

We shouldn’t hold back our exuberance because we don’t want to act like a 12-year-old, but rather unleash the joy and excitement that comes from knowing just how great God is.

The New Living Translation of Romans 12:11 says, “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”

Victory in sports provides temporary happiness while lasting joy is found in God. Let’s not hold back our appreciation, worship, and passion for what God has done and is doing in us and through us each day.

Let’s be encouraged by these two verses:

Psalm 5:11 (NLT): “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy.”

Psalm 32:11 (NLT): “So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I’d display my gratefulness and satisfaction in You with great zeal and joy. Help me not to hold back from living with enthusiasm as I am overcome by Your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.