Yesterday’s best NFL game was the 41-38 Seahawks win over the Texans. It turned out to be an offensive showdown with both quarterbacks throwing for over 400 yards and four touchdowns, and putting on an outstanding performance.

Although this back and forth game was entertaining, the comment made by Texans’ owner Bob McNair that “we can’t have the inmates running the prison,” tempered the excitement. It was not received well by the players, and ignited more racial conflict and division among owners and players.

Controversy in the NFL seems to be overshadowing the play on the field this season. But even with all of the issues that still need to be addressed, and the one that arose recently with Houston, the Texans still went out and played the game.

Despite having frustration with what the owner of the team said, their decision to compete on Sunday came from a realization that they don’t actually play for McNair. He may be the one who bought the team and signs the checks, but each player steps on the field to represent themselves and their family…not the guy in the luxury suite.

As we begin a new week, many of us will be working for bosses or owners that we don’t like very much. Or maybe we’re serving others throughout our day who seem to take us for granted, or tend to disrespect us. The easy response is to give up, walk out, or not provide our best effort.

The Texans didn’t win yesterday, but they played an incredible game. They went out and executed with passion – rising above their negative feelings toward their “boss,” and playing for a higher purpose.

As followers of Jesus, on or off the field, we’re called to live, work, and play in a way that honors and glorifies God. He’s the one who drives our purpose, motivation, and passion to get up each day to serve Him and others.

We can’t do this in our own strength, but we must rely on Him to fill us with power and to keep us focused on living for Him. Colossians 3:17(AMP) challenges us with these words: “Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Colossians 3:23-24 (AMP) goes on to explain, “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.”

Today, let’s be encouraged that we aren’t working or playing for an owner, but rather we’re serving the ultimate King, Creator, and Savior of the world. With everything we do, let’s do it with excellence…bringing glory and honor to the Lord God Almighty!

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me understand what it looks like to do everything in a way that brings glory and recognition to You above all else. I pray my life would be a reflection of my love for You, and that I wouldn’t get caught up in trying to please people. I submit and surrender to You, as it’s You I serve in all that I do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.