The word “progress” is a common word used by coaches, players, and analysts in the sports world. Answers such as “he’s making progress” or “we’d like to see more progress” or “the team needs more progress on offense” are all used when talking about a player’s health, the development of their game, and the status of a rebuilding team.

Right now people are discussing whether or not the Cleveland Browns are progressing in the right direction based on their additions in the offseason.

There are very high expectations placed on San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, to help speed up the progress of their team’s rebuild.

Plenty of questions surround the health and return of previously injured quarterbacks, Carson Wentz, Andrew Luck and Deshaun Watson, as we wonder if the rehab has progressed quickly enough to get them ready for Week 1.

Then, there’s been an ongoing analysis about the progress of the four rookie quarterbacks drafted in the first round…and of course, we can’t talk about progress without bringing up Tiger Woods’ recent play.

In sports and life, we like to experience positive progress. We want to see growth, depth, and increase. Along with that, however, perspective, expectations, and a timeframe are always attached.

We look at our careers and are either pleased with the progress we’ve made or are disappointed that we’re not further along at this particular point.

We look at our kids and wish they were bigger or smarter at their certain age…and walk around our house only to be frustrated by the lack of progress we’ve presently made with our project list.

Oftentimes we allow pride, envy, and a comparing mindset to determine if we deem the progress as acceptable. Unfortunately, we can easily let our frustration and discontentment cloud our perspective on the many blessings we’ve been given and the tremendous progress God has allowed to take place in our lives.

We must shift our focus away from “more power, money, and success” as our barometer of progress and emphasize the development of our faith and spiritual status instead.

Paul encourages us in two different letters he writes in the Bible. The first letter tells us, “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return” (Philippians 1:9-10 – NLT).

The other letter in 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (NLT) says, “And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.”

Today, let’s remove the dissatisfaction in our lives that’s rooted in pride and continue following God’s lead so our progress is pleasing to Him.

Let’s find our confidence in the words found in Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV): “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I get caught up in wanting more progress in life and oftentimes it’s self-driven and prideful. I thank You for all You’ve given me and the blessings that overflow. Please help me not to lose sight of what’s most important. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.