Two years ago, the Atlanta Falcons had a high-powered and dynamic offense that led them to the Super Bowl. However, last season they took a step back as their offense struggled and they weren't clicking in the same way.
One of their biggest issues was catching the ball. A wide receiver is expected to hang onto the pass that's thrown to him, but the Falcons were repeatedly dropping the ball.
According to Profootballtalk.com, Atlanta had “a league-high 30 drops last season with seven of them turning into interceptions after being missed by the intended target.”
Head Coach Dan Quinn is very aware of the problem they have experienced but seems encouraged that some changes are being made.
He said, “This is a player-led team in a lot of respects, so a lot will be put on the players as well to make sure that focus, that intensity, to make sure that we are taking care of the ball like crazy. I treat drops much in the same fashion — if the ball is everything and if we’re dropping it, where was the focus lost? Almost like a fumble, so to speak.”
This appears to be a correctable problem with the most important aspect being, “if the ball is everything and if we’re dropping it, where was the focus lost?”
A wide receiver is all about placing value on the ball and focusing on it, and as followers of Jesus, we can evaluate our lives in a similar way.
Are we “dropping the ball” by losing focus on Him? If He is truly everything, then why do we allow our eyes and minds to wander on other things?
Colossians 3:2 (ESV) tells us to "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
When we shift our focus away from Jesus and the cross, we can easily drop the ball when it comes to loving others, showing grace, serving people, demonstrating patience, and living with joy.
We must get refocused on Jesus being everything and God’s ways taking priority when we start to see a trend of “dropped passes” in our lives.
Matthew 6:33 (AMP) says, "But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness , and all these things will be given to you also."
As we follow Jesus and keep our focus on Him (despite all the distractions around us), let’s remember we don’t have to do it alone. When we yield to His spirit and surrender control, we don’t have to worry about dropping the ball.
Today, let's cling to the encouragement found in Romans 8:5 (NLT): "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please show me where I’m losing focus and give me the right mindset to stay fixed on Jesus. I pray I’d seek Your kingdom first, be controlled by the Holy Spirit, and not get distracted by things of this world. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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