The Carolina Panthers continue to be on a search for a reliable starting quarterback. This summer they traded with the Browns for former number one overall pick and Heisman trophy winner, Baker Mayfield. He is currently in training camp competing with Sam Darnold who was the starter for the Panthers last year. Both of these players are entering their fifth season in the NFL and have shown glimpses of having enough talent to help a team win, but they have also shown their lack of maturity and understanding of when and how to make certain throws on the field. According to The Athletic, “Since they entered the league in 2018, no quarterbacks have thrown more interceptions than Mayfield (56) and Darnold (52).” Quarterbacks are implored to be patient, take care of the ball, not force anything, and make wise decisions. At the same time, coaches want them to be bold, confident, and not afraid to make plays. As Baker Mayfield points out, there is a key difference. “There’s aggressiveness and then there’s carelessness. There’s a fine line between those and knowing when to take your shots when you have a one-on-one. And not get too greedy, play in the flow of the game. If you take care of the ball, most likely you’re gonna win games. That’s the main motto here.” Panthers head coach, Matt Rhule added: “You want to eliminate careless mistakes, not doing your job, trying to do too much. But we want these guys to go play aggressive. They’re NFL quarterbacks.” The great quarterbacks in the game understand when and how to be aggressive without being careless or foolish with their decisions to throw the ball. As followers of Jesus, I believe we also encounter a “fine line” between being aggressive and careless when it comes to decision-making in our lives. Since we have the Holy Spirit within us, we are filled with boldness and confidence to step out in faith and really go for it when God prompts us to. This means we must use discernment and know the voice of God so we don't act carelessly by forcing something that is not in His will, or attempt to get ahead of His perfect timing. We must understand it’s important to be patient, “take care of the ball,” eliminate careless mistakes, and lean on Him to help us make wise choices. Hebrews 10:35-36 (NLT) gives us this valuable encouragement: “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.” Proverbs 14:16; ESV tells us “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” In life, when we see an open opportunity “down the field,” we don’t have to delay because of fear, but like a quarterback who “remains in the flow of the game,” we must remain in the “flow” of the Spirit and be aggressive at the right time and in the right way. Thankfully, God gives us His Spirit to empower and enable us to make wise decisions, as well as, be self-controlled and self-disciplined. We are reminded of this in 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP): “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline .” Mayfield said, “If you take care of the ball, most likely you’re gonna win games.” Today, let’s be encouraged that if we take care of the “call” of God and follow His Word, we’re gonna win! As God tells Joshua in Joshua 1:7 (AMP), “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do in accordance with the entire law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go.” I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me a bold and confident faith that allows me to have the right kind of aggressiveness. I pray that I wouldn’t be careless, but rather hear Your call and follow Your Spirit. Thank you for giving me the wisdom to know when to be patient and when to go for it. I rely on You each step of the way. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Can you describe a time you were too aggressive or not aggressive enough because of fear?
When have you faced the fine line between being aggressive and careless?
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