Although most of our attention as NFL fans is on the Championship games this weekend, there is a lot of movement taking place right now among the teams whose season is already over.
Nine head coaching vacancies and multiple general manager roles will be filled over the coming weeks with a few deals already finalized. When each new hiring is announced, it triggers additional decisions as one move leads to another.
The Chicago Bears hired Matt Eberflus as their head coach, the Denver Broncos named Nathaniel Hackett as the new man in charge, and all indications are the Jaguars will give the job to Byron Leftwich.
Now, that results in Dan Quinn deciding to return to Dallas as their defensive coordinator, the Colts will be looking for a new DC, and the Packers possibly watching a couple of their players join Hackett in Denver.
With the news of Sean Payton stepping down from the Saints, that is going to trigger multiple moves within the coaching world and in the broadcasting realm as he’s expected to go that direction.
Oftentimes, franchises are interviewing the same coaches, so once they make their choice it begins the domino effect for other teams and other coaches.
Once someone is hired, that leaves an opening for the previous team to now fill and it also means the new head coach hires his assistant coaches away from other teams. So many of these decisions made by front offices and coaches are connected to each other.
There is no denying the cause and effect that will take place over the next days and weeks now that the initial dominoes have fallen.
The domino effect is also very real in our own lives. One decision triggers other choices, which results in going down a particular path based on the first move.
That’s why remaining obedient and committed to Jesus is so critical. We want the dominoes that fall in our lives to be in line with God’s best for us. He knows how one domino leads to another, so we can trust Him and depend on Him to lead us.
The Bible is very clear in explaining the cause and effects of choices and behavior in life. There are warnings about sin and the domino effect that it has on us, as well as, explanations for how the dominoes lead to blessings and fruit in this life and the next.
The following verses found in Proverbs 13 (NLT) give us multiple examples of the “domino effect,” which are valuable to unpack today:
“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything” (verse 3).
“Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper” (verse 4).
“The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out” (verse 9).
“Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise” (verse 10).
“Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time” (verse 11).
“If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored” (verse 18).
“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble” (verse 20).
Let’s take this wisdom to heart and choose the right path. The decisions we make each day have consequences that will affect our tomorrow, so let’s keep following Jesus. Undoubtedly, the “domino effect” He has on us will ultimately lead to life everlasting.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I desire to trust You with each decision I make. I pray my choices would be aligned with Your will. Help me rely on the wisdom of Your Word and realize the amazing effect it has on my life. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
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How have you experienced the domino effect in your own life?
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Which of the verses in Proverbs 13 jump out to you the most?
