Are You Fast like the Dolphins?

The Miami Dolphins' 9-3 record and three-game winning streak gives them recognition as one of the best teams in the NFL this season. So what makes them impressive and allows them to thrive? They have an elite and dynamic offense built on speed, and their roster consists of some of the fastest players in the whole league. Tyreek Hill is consistently the fastest wide receiver, as he's able to top 22 miles per hour with the ball in his hands. Devon Achane and Raheem Mostert have been the fastest running backs in the league this year with both topping 21 miles per hour, according to nextgenstats.nfl.com. Wide receiver, Jaylen Waddle, is also extremely fast and has three touchdowns on the season, which contributes to the Dolphins' league-leading 50 total offensive touchdowns. They also lead the league in rushing yards per carry at 5.3 which also points to their speed. In addition, the team’s speed is a strength on defense with Christian Wilkins and Emmanuel Ogbah, demonstrated by them combining on one of the fastest sacks on a quarterback this season. It happened in 2.49 seconds from the moment the ball was snapped, according to nextgenstats.nfl.com. The Dolphins' speed on offense allows them to blow past their opponent and quickly get down the field, while their speed on defense enables them to rapidly move past blockers and be fast to the ball carrier. As we consider the speed of one of the top teams in the NFL, I’d like to unpack how being fast in the right ways, as followers of Jesus, enables us to avoid the wrong things by blowing past our opponent and quickly moving “down the field.” Here are five ways we are to be ready and willing to utilize speed! Quickly Listen: “...Let everyone be quick to hear , slow to speak , slow to anger ...” (James 1:19; AMP). Quickly Forgive: “Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13; TLB). Quickly Say No to Temptation and Run: ”But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11; NLT). Quickly Give: “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others” (1 Timothy 6:18; NLT). Quickly Go to Jesus and Tell Others About Him: “As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. 'Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.' They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed” (Luke 2:15-18; MSG). Today, let's be inspired by the speed of the Dolphins and acknowledge how we can thrive by quickly listening...forgiving...giving...running from temptation...and going to Jesus. I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please strengthen and enable me to respond quickly when presented with the option to forgive, give, and run from temptation. Please help me be quick to hear, slow to speak, and run fast after Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS: 1. Which of these five actions are you the slowest and fastest? 2. What are some practical ways you can improve your speed in each of these five areas?