The hiring of Jason Wright as the president of The Washington football team is the latest move in the ongoing overhaul the organization is experiencing.
Along with the historic hiring of the first black president in NFL history, they are also no longer known as the Redskins and will have a new logo, jersey, and mascot. This team is expected to look much different from what we've been used to seeing for so long.
They hope this identity change goes beyond just how their uniforms look. Wright said, “It’s so much more than a name. It’s about re-establishing an identity. It’s not necessarily the logo; it’s not necessarily the uniform. It’s actually about what we choose to face the public with as an organization. It should represent our values, the culture we’re trying to establish."
They've also entrusted new head coach, Ron Rivera, to revamp their play on the field as well. He will bring his own style, philosophy, and strategies that will affect the way his team performs.
Rivera has said, “We’re trying to create a new culture here. We’re hoping to get people to understand that they need to judge us on where we are and where we’re going – as opposed to where we’ve been.”
Rivera, Wright, and the entire organization hope to have a fresh start and create a new culture and new identity while overcoming the franchise's mistakes. From a controversial nickname to bad personnel decisions and underperforming teams, as well as sexual harassment allegations, they need a major transformation.
I think the most challenging aspect with Washington having a new identity is the fans (and even the players) recognizing and believing that the team is truly different.
They’ve been used to viewing Washington a certain way for so long, but now they must accept that a change is taking place…and they don’t have to think about this team the same way.
This is also true for those of us who have given our lives to Jesus. As we follow Him, know Him, and seek Him, we become a different person. It's important for us to believe this and for others to be willing to recognize the new us.
Our new identity is rooted in Him and we no longer have to think or live the same way we used to. We don't view ourselves through the same lens and must trust that we are truly changed when Jesus enters our lives.
I love what the Bible says in these two verses in the Amplified version:
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ , he is a new creature ; the old things have passed away. Behold, new things have come ” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“I have been crucified with Christ ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20). As we think about how Washington will have a new identity and they're not the same Redskins team, let’s be encouraged that we are not the same as we once were because “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” and “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature.” Today, let’s live confidently in our new identity and not turn back as God continues to transform us. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for changing me from the inside out. I know I’m a new creation because of Jesus and I pray I’d live with an understanding of my new identity. I ask that others recognize the transformation that continues to take place. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What would others say your identity is?
What do you think your identity is?
How has Jesus transformed your life?
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