Last night, ESPN debuted its latest 30 for 30 documentary called "Be Water" about actor, material artist, and philosopher, Bruce Lee.
Lee not only impacted the martial arts world, but his sayings and approach are still influencing athletes of today - including Carolina Panthers running back, Christian McCaffrey.
He’s been known to post Lee’s quotes on social media and started watching his movies when he was a kid. A couple of years ago, McCaffrey was interviewed for USA Today about his breakout season and Lee’s influence.
He’s quoted as saying, “It has a lot to do with fluidity and being able to adapt. I think when you’re running through a hole and you’re hit in certain, different ways, you have to be able to move and change and make people miss. You’ve got to be able to adapt to your environment. It all relates.”
Today, I'd like to unpack the following two Bruce Lee quotes which have helped guide McCaffrey to become one of the best running backs in the NFL:
"Notice the stiffest tree is always the first to break, but the bamboo and the willow bend with the wind."
“Be like water making its way through cracks...”
During McCaffrey’s first three seasons, he has shown adaptability in multiple ways.
His ability to contribute as a runner or a receiver (depending on what the Panthers have needed), has helped him compile 2,920 yards on the ground and 2,523 career receiving yards.
At the start of this year's season, McCaffrey will also have to adapt to a new coaching staff and QB.
As we consider his ability to "be like water" and adapt, we should consider the definition of adaptable: “Able to adjust to new conditions” or “able to be modified for a new use or purpose.”
Seeing how McCaffrey has embraced a willingness to play this way, I believe adaptability translates to our own lives, as well.
We know that life (especially in the last few months) is constantly changing and each new season brings a different set of challenges. As a result, we can either decide to be frustrated, stubborn, closed-minded, and hopeless…or “be like water” and “adjust to new conditions.”
As followers of Jesus, being adaptable is valuable in multiple ways. For one, we always want to be in the process of spiritual growth and allow our character to be transformed, instead of being stuck in our old ways. We want to adapt our behavior and mindset according to the wisdom and truth we learn through God’s word.
Secondly, the way we can parallel McCaffrey’s words, “you’ve got to be able to adapt to your environment,” is taking a look at Paul's words when he talks about remaining content and satisfied in Jesus, regardless of the season we’re in.
Paul shares his valuable secret in Philippians 4:11-13 (AMP): “Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.
“I know how to get along and live humbly , and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret , whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens and empowers me ”
Today, regardless of our situation or season, let’s learn to be adaptable and always satisfied and content in Jesus.
With so much change going on in the world, let’s continue to seek Him and be open to our hearts changing too. Let’s also be open to new ways He wants to use us as we remain “able to be modified for a new use or purpose.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to embrace changing seasons and understand that You’re using me and teaching me in different ways during each circumstance. I ask that I’d adapt and remain content and satisfied in You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What aspects of your life do you have the hardest time adapting to?
What season are you in right now – abundance or in need?
How would satisfaction and contentment in Jesus help you adapt?
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