Believe it or not, some casual or new Fantasy managers don't give much thought to their selections during Fantasy drafts. They select the highest-ranked player on ESPN's rankings without much regard. But for us committed Fantasy managers, we diligently decide what players we believe will produce good stats and help us win. As we make our selections, we consider many different factors. We consider a player's skill set, the number of opportunities they have to get the ball, their spot on the depth chart, how they finished last year, who their coach is, their average draft position, and their ranking based on multiple sources. We also examine the player's experience, injury history, and team schedule. There is serious thought about how good each team's overall offense is, along with all the vital individual and team stats from last season. For the players we've seen play this year in camp, we'll think back to what we observed with the eye test and determine how likely they are to carry that into the regular season. In addition, we'll consider the players the Fantasy experts are picking on their teams and follow the lead of the analysts with a proven track record. The concept of "considering" can help before making decisions on our Fantasy teams, but even more so when it comes to decisions in life. What do we usually consider when contemplating a decision? Do we consider wise counsel, God's Word, and how our choices affect others? Do we think about the consequences? Do we factor in lessons learned from our past experience? Do we examine what we value most and what our goals are? Or, like some people with Fantasy drafts, do we neglect to evaluate…hastily make our "picks"…and keep going willy-nilly? As followers of Jesus, it's important to pause and consider when making decisions. The concept of considering is also found throughout the Bible in many different contexts, so let's embrace examining, observing, evaluating, and giving serious thought to it. Hebrews 10:24 (AMP) says, "…and let us consider how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds…" How often do we consider intentionally reaching out to our friends and family with an encouraging word or a Bible verse to help them persevere in their faith? Do we consider how we can show gratitude toward others, which also encourages them? Hebrews 13:7 (AMP) explains another practice of considering: "Remember your leaders who brought you the Word of God; and consider the result of their conduct , and imitate their faith ." Do we ever seriously consider how leaders, mentors, and pastors with proven track records live their lives? Do we observe their fruit and examine the results they experience for living according to God's way? Do we consider how we can imitate them in specific ways? Lastly, we must examine and consider what we've been doing and what we're currently doing. Haggai 1:5 (AMP) says, "Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Consider your ways and thoughtfully reflect on your conduct!'" Are we willing to consider our choices, evaluate our path, observe how we spend our time, and reflect on any necessary changes? Today, let's choose to move forward by examining our hearts and considering God's Word and His leading. Let's pick His path to victory and thoughtfully follow Jesus! I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I ask that You reveal what I need to observe and consider in my life. I pray You'll help me reflect on my conduct and lead me to make the right changes. Show me good examples of leaders I can imitate as they demonstrate their reliance on You, and please put someone in my path who I can encourage today. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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