When we look across the NFL right now, there are numerous head coaching vacancies as a result of firings by franchises. Some teams have gotten rid of their offensive or defensive coordinators, while others have gotten rid of the entire staff.
As owners and general managers look for the next candidates to replace their former coaches, many times they end up with the opposite type of coaches they just had.
They might switch from offensive-minded guys to defensive-minded guys...or from bombastic coaches to quieter ones. Either way, franchises are looking to make major changes because the previous regime didn’t work out.
If a team wants to head in a new direction, an existing coaching staff must be eliminated in order to bring on a new philosophy, strategy, and perspective. There must be a vacancy, so the new coaches can come in and replace the old.
As harsh as the reality is for an owner to send a coach "packing," this uncomfortable process must take place when a team wants to make a fresh start.
A similar process must also take place in our own lives. In order to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit, we must get rid of all of the junk in our lives.
Peace, joy, kindness, self-control, and love cannot take over until we send our old mindsets, perspectives, and desires “packing.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) tells us to "Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."
Jon Gruden can’t take over for the Raiders unless Jack Del Rio is let go. Likewise, our minds can't be focused on the things of God until we follow Ephesians 4:31 (NLT): "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” Once we move on from the things that are holding us back, we can live according to Philippians 4:8 (NLT): "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
As we begin a New Year with the desire to make positive changes in our lives, let’s replace anger with joy...worry with peace...and doubt with hope.
Let’s recognize the importance of getting rid of the old "regime," so we can fill our minds and hearts with the spiritual things of God.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess there are mindsets and attitudes in my life that need to be replaced. Please show me what I need to get rid of...and give me the strength to move on, so I can be filled with the fruit of the Spirit and let go of my former ways. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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