Former league MVP and star quarterback, Cam Newton, is heading to the New England Patriots.
After being the face of the Carolina Panthers for the last nine seasons, and leading the franchise to the Super Bowl, he was released earlier this offseason.
Despite being one of the top QBs in the league during his time in Carolina, his last couple of seasons have been derailed due to injuries.
At this point in his career, it’s hard to know what he’s still capable of accomplishing. His body has taken a beating due to his style of play as an electric and physical QB, so how healthy and effective he will be with the Patriots is unclear.
Although I'm surprised the Patriots are the team that landed Cam Newton, they put together an interesting deal that could work well for both sides.
Reports coming out about the one-year contract indicate it’s “incentive-laden” up to $7.5 million. Considered a “prove it” contract and a worthwhile gamble for the Patriots, they are giving Cam the chance to show he can still play and is worthy of a larger contract in the future.
With the Patriots “taking a flyer” on a very talented QB who has been banged up in recent years, Cam heads up to New England to show he’s good enough to still be a starter in the NFL.
He's hoping to justify his ability to take over for the departed Tom Brady and play well enough to earn all the incentives available in his $7.5 million contract.
At one time, Cam was the talk of the NFL...scoring touchdowns left and right. Now, however, he finds himself in a position where he has to prove himself all over again.
When I read some of the wording surrounding his signing with the Patriots, I’m reminded what a performance-based sport the NFL is. Cam has to earn everything this year and show he’s still got it.
Even though we can probably relate to this with our own jobs, when it comes to God's grace and love, we can be thankful He doesn't operate that way.
We don’t have to prove ourselves or show we’re good enough to receive salvation through Jesus. By faith alone we're shown grace and forgiveness - not by our “play on the field.” The truth is, our performance can never earn God’s love.
For many of us, we’ve heard this many times, yet we easily get caught up in doing more, trying harder in our own strength, and comparing our performance to others.
Continuing to grow, mature, and serve is important, but we must remind ourselves that we don't have to go out there and earn some incentive-laden contract. God isn't like a football coach "taking a flyer" on us to see if we can do enough to prove ourselves.
God’s made all of His love and grace available to us when we place our faith and trust in Jesus, His death, and His resurrection. Joining His team isn't based on our talent, effort, or effectiveness.
The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9 (AMP), "For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith.
And this is not of yourselves , but it is the gift of God; not as a result of works , so that no one will boast or take credit in any way .”
Cam Newton has to be feeling the pressure as he signs with New England and tries to show the league he’s good enough. For us, I hope as we read the verses above we feel a weight lifted knowing how undeserving we are of God’s grace and love, but because of His goodness, He has given us eternal life and the ability to know Him intimately.
Today, let’s experience the wonderful rhythm of grace and knowing there's nothing we can do (good or bad) to change how much God loves us. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful I don’t have to earn Your love or prove myself to receive Your grace. You are so kind and compassionate toward a sinner like me. I place my hope and trust in Jesus and what He did on the cross. In His name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways do you get caught up in trying to earn God's love?
How can the proper understanding of knowing we aren't deserving of God's grace (based on our own effort), actually free us up?
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