The Los Angeles Rams made it to the Super Bowl in 2019 but came up short against the New England Patriots. Now they’re back in the big game with a chance to win in their home stadium thanks to the “all-in” approach they’ve executed.

Les Snead is the general manager of the Rams and over the last couple of years, he’s acquired some key players through trades and signings that put this team in a position to win it all. The Rams didn’t hold back and they’ve been willing to do whatever it takes to get back to the Super Bowl.

Of course, the biggest and most important move they made happened a year ago when the Rams sent their quarterback, Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round draft pick, and two future first-round picks to the Lions for veteran quarterback, Matthew Stafford.

The Rams were willing to give up Goff (their former first overall pick, and the QB who led them to their last Super Bowl appearance) because they were confident Stafford would be more valuable and make their team better.

The Rams also traded two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder to Jacksonville for cornerback, Jalen Ramsey, who is one of the best in the league at his position.

They sent a sixth-round pick and a fourth-round pick to the Patriots for running back, Sony Michel.

They let go of a second and third-round pick in exchange for pass rusher, Von Miller, from the Broncos.

After the Browns released wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., the Rams put in the necessary effort to recruit him to their team.

All of these players have contributed to the teams’ success and the Rams showed they weren’t going to settle for just making one move. Instead, they continued with a willingness to remain all-in.

The front office has proven they’re totally bought into winning and anytime they see an opening and a path to strengthen their team, they go for it.

The Rams have demonstrated they’re not worried about hanging onto draft picks or afraid to use their salary cap space. They haven’t held back from embracing every opportunity to do anything that leads to winning.

As we think about the Rams’ all-in approach, the encouragement for us today is to not hold back and be all-in when it comes to following Jesus.

Jesus says in Luke 9:23 (AMP), “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”

With this being a major commitment, here are some important questions for us to consider today:

• Are we willing to follow Jesus, whatever the cost?

• Are we willing to do whatever is required to serve God?

• What have we been unwilling to give up to God in total surrender?

• Are we willing to do whatever it takes to strengthen our faith?

• Do we view Jesus as more valuable than anything else?

• Are we pursuing Him with all of ourselves?

• Are we embracing every opportunity that leads to a “winning” life according to God’s way?

• Are we hanging onto something or afraid to give away resources?

• Are we settling by just dipping our toes into pursuing God or are we demonstrating a willingness to remain all-in?

• Are we fully making ourselves available to be used by God?

• In what ways are we holding back from seeking God with our whole hearts?

• Are we completely bought into what God’s Word says?

We can meditate on the following verses as we reflect on the answers to these questions:

Deuteronomy 6:5 (AMP) tells us, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being].”

Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT) says, “If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me.”

Romans 12:1 (NLT) gives us this challenge: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.”

Jesus explains in John 14:15 (AMP), “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.”

Let’s be encouraged that when we go all-in to love and serve God and live according to His ways, He will empower us, and allow us to experience true victory. His path leads to life, so, let’s hold nothing back and be willing to do whatever it takes to follow Jesus.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please reveal any part of me that I’m holding back from being fully surrendered to You. I pray that I would be all-in as I seek You, follow Jesus, and obey Your ways. I pray my life would be a living sacrifice that is pleasing to You as I’m willing to give up whatever it takes. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

1. What has been the hardest aspect of your life to surrender to God?

2. Have you decided to be all-in with God or is something holding you back?