During college basketball’s regular season, we watch to see which teams are consistently great, reliable, and strong in big games. However, this year we've already seen seven different number one ranked teams in the AP Top 25, the all-time record in a season. The teams that have found themselves on top at one point this year include Kansas, Duke, Louisville, Baylor, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Gonzaga. A few of them only lasted a week or sometimes two, before being upset and knocked off. This means we’ve seen teams excel for a while, but then show they can’t hold firm to the number one ranking. Fans can’t seem to find much of a difference between the teams in college basketball because even the top-ranked teams have significant questions surrounding them. Can we really trust Baylor in March? Does Gonzaga have enough elite wins? Can Duke consistently get their talented team on the same page? What happened to Michigan State after their high preseason expectations? When I think about the uncertainty at the top of college basketball this season, and the inconsistency from the top programs, I wonder if some of our lives would be similarly evaluated. Does the way we live, speak, interact, and respond represent Jesus and reflect the higher calling placed on us? Or are we like the high ranking teams not really standing out above the rest or reflecting the high ranking that was given to them? College basketball teams may slip up or have an off-night, but the truly great teams give us the confidence they will always bounce back. They make adjustments so that one bad game doesn't lead to three bad games in a row. When we receive Christ, we become victorious and are given the power we need to remain set apart from the rest. Of course, we rely on God's grace along the way, but we should clearly show people that we are followers of Jesus. Then, even when we slip they won’t raise questions about where our heart genuinely lies because we've already demonstrated our commitment to God over and over. But, if we're constantly confusing people by the way we live, and they can’t really figure out where we stand, then we lack consistency and integrity. As a result, we start to look like everyone else. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT), “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” Titus 2:7-8 (ESV) tells us, "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us." Today, let’s not be like this year’s top-ranked teams in college basketball who are unreliable, confusing, and inconsistent. Instead, let’s be strong and immovable with what God has called us to do and in the ways, He has called us to live. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for my inconsistency in my pursuit of knowing and serving you. I pray that I represent Jesus in a way that wouldn’t cause people to question my devotion to you. Please give me the strength to stand firm today. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What areas of your life might cause other people to question your consistency or integrity?
Why is bouncing back after a "loss" so crucial to your witness?
How does this reveal your view of grace and humility?
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