"Combine Numbers"

The NFL Combine in Indianapolis is the yearly showcase for players to demonstrate their speed, strength, measurements, and interview skills before the draft. As players run, jump, and lift in their t-shirts, NFL personnel gather information to determine which players they intend to draft. Other factors are considered beyond the combine, but teams can end up placing a major emphasis on a player’s 40-yard dash time or high jump performance when deciding who to pick. I understand these numbers are important to a certain extent, but what the combine can’t fully measure is a player’s heart, character, and ability to persevere and handle the life of an NFL player. When it comes to our own lives, we are judged by people based on "combine numbers" such as looks, status, job title, net worth, car, house, and educational degrees. While spending time comparing ourselves to each other and trying to figure out how we measure up, we place too much value on our “combine numbers.” But the Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV), “ …the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” Today, let’s remember that what matters most is our heart, character, and depth of faith. If God looks at our heart instead of our outward appearance, then that’s where our focus should shift in how we view others and ourselves. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Father, thank you for looking beyond my outward appearance and caring about my heart. Please forgive me for the way I judge others based on things that don’t really matter. Help me to love others like You do, and put an emphasis on their heart instead of their status. Help me to spend more time with activities that strengthen my heart and character. In Jesus’ name, Amen.