Football players love to celebrate the fun and excitement of scoring touchdowns. Although the key to scoring six points is getting the ball over the goal line, New Mexico’s running back Bryson Carroll dropped the ball in celebration BEFORE actually entering the end zone last weekend!
He would have scored a 57-yard touchdown against Colorado State, but he let go of the ball before crossing the goal line first.
It’s one of the craziest things to happen during a game, and seems so silly and obvious to everyone watching. Why don’t players make sure they find the end zone first before worrying about everything that comes after the touchdown?
We know players love the attention, applause, and high fives while embracing the opportunity to dance or celebrate the score. But since 2008, at least 16 players have dropped the ball while celebrating BEFORE crossing the all-important white line. They lost their focus on what is important and ended up dropping the ball.
In our own lives, many times we are distracted and lose focus on what is most important. Instead of focusing on the end zone, we worry about things that ultimately don’t matter or are just self-seeking.
We get caught up in worldly pursuits and don’t even realize we’re dropping the ball. When we aren’t focused on God first and foremost and trusting Him to provide things that are truly important, it’s like walking into the end zone without the ball. It's pointless!
Instead of being anxious and impatient each day, we can hold onto the promise of Matthew 6:33 (AMP): "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 seek first what’s important to God, everything else finds its proper place and we have all we need in Him. When we do things out of order or out of selfishness, we end up “dropping the ball.”
Today, let’s ask ourselves if we are caught up in applause, anxiousness, and celebrating our worldly pursuits…or if we truly desire to seek the Kingdom of God above all else.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m thankful that I don’t have to worry or be anxious because You're my provider. Please give me the strength to live righteously while seeking Your Kingdom above anything else. I pray I wouldn’t get caught up in my own celebrations, but instead see what’s ultimately important. I pray I would honor and glorify You today. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What examples do you have of dropping the ball before the end zone and getting distracted by selfishness?
What does it mean to seek first God's Kingdom?
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