While remaining cautiously optimistic about the upcoming NFL season, it’s been tough to hear how many players are choosing to “opt out” and not play this year.

Around 30 players, including six from the Patriots, have already made the decision not to participate due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and that number is likely to grow.

The NFL is attempting to create a safe environment for the league to have a season, but each player has to choose if it’s the right decision to join their team or opt out.

Every player has to weigh the benefits of playing football vs. protecting themselves from potential risks by opting out.

Technically, there’s no right or wrong answer and each player has the freedom to play or not. It comes down to either feeling comfortable to show up and play…or convicted to avoid the possible dangers by opting out.

For many, this is not an easy choice, but hopefully, they determine what is the best and appropriate option for them.

Today, I want to unpack how NFL players “opting out” parallels our decision-making when it comes to certain instances.

As followers of Jesus, we’ve been freed from the punishment of sin and shown grace because of His death and resurrection. We are saved because of our faith in Jesus and we acknowledge we are sinners in need of a Savior.

Our salvation is not based on what we have done or will do, and because of Jesus we now live in freedom. Each day we decide how we live in this freedom and what activities we participate in, and what we eat and drink.

Although many of the things we decide to do aren’t “technically right or wrong,” they might carry a potential risk and lead to possible dangers.

As we mature in our faith, however, we will begin to recognize the times we need to “opt out” and not participate in something because it’s not worth it. It may not be wrong or sinful, but it’s not what’s best for us or beneficial.

For example, watching sports is not wrong, but if it becomes such a priority that we’re skipping our time with the Lord or neglecting our family, then we may need to opt out from a game or two.

Having a glass of wine or a beer isn’t necessarily wrong, but if we’ve had an issue with drinking too much in the past and we know where one drink leads to, then it’s probably best we opt out completely.

We absolutely should embrace the freedom and grace we have in Jesus, but it can’t be an excuse to pursue immoral behavior. When our hearts are aligned with Jesus, we’ll want to “opt out” of anything that has the chance to affect our fellowship with Him, even if it’s something we’re free to do and not blatantly sinful.

Paul writes about this topic in 1 Corinthians 6:12. The following verses are in three different translations to help us understand the concept better:

“’Everything is permissible for me,’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me,’ but I will not be mastered by anything” (CSB).

“I can do anything I want to if Christ has not said no, but some of these things aren’t good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them, I’ll refuse to if I think they might get such a grip on me that I can’t easily stop when I want to” (TLB).

“Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims” (The Message).

In deciding what is most beneficial, NFL players have the freedom to choose to play during this upcoming season or “opt out.” Today, let’s seek God for wisdom to know when it’s in our best interest to “opt out” and avoid potential dangers.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful for Your grace and I pray I wouldn’t misuse the freedom I now have in Christ. I no longer want to be controlled by sin, but rather empowered by Your Spirit. Help me to discern the activities and choices that are most beneficial to my spiritual growth and avoid the ones that aren’t worth it. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.