As Carolina Panthers' center, Ryan Kalil, heads into his 12th season, it may be his last. Selected by the Panthers in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Kalil has been named to five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams, and played in Super Bowl 50.
Although Kalil has been a key leader and contributor for a long time, he realizes his career is winding down. He recently said, “I never thought I’d play 12 seasons, so every year I sort of treat it like this is possibly the last one. You just don’t know, whether it’s injuries or guys coming in and out-playing you.”
In acknowledging this may be his final year to direct the offensive line and protect Cam Newton, Kalil had this to say:
“I care very much about this organization and the people in it. As far as it being the last one, obviously I want to empty the tank and not let anybody down on this team that puts a lot of faith in me to do my job. That’s where my focus has been. Just blocking and making the right calls.”
The concept of "emptying the tank" is worth unpacking not only in football but also in our own lives. It means using all of our energy, effort, passion, and attention while not holding anything back.
In being driven to do his job the best he can until his tank is empty, I appreciate that Kalil’s motivation is based on his care for the organization and his desire to give all he has for his teammates.
I don’t think we have to be at the end of our career or the end of our life to begin operating with a similar mentality. Since we don’t know when the end of each will be anyway, it’s crucial our love for God and others is deep enough to motivate us to do something right now.
It’s not about running on empty, but emptying ourselves for the betterment of others in response to the grace and love that’s been shown to us by Jesus.
When we truly care for others, we won’t want to hold back. Instead, we'll prefer utilizing our energy, effort, passion, and attention to make a difference in those around us today.
Proverbs 3:27-28 (NLT) says, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, 'Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.'”
Alternatively to being inconsistent, unreliable, and lazy, we should look for opportunities to do good. Galatians 6:10 (AMP) tells us, “So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people , and especially to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).”
Rather than holding back or delaying impactful effort, let’s serve God and others with everything we have today. Let's trust that if we’re here again tomorrow, God will refuel us and strengthen us with another full tank that needs emptying.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me recognize the areas of my life that I’m holding back and show me ways I can empty myself. I want to be a blessing to others by giving them all I have for Your glory. I know You are the source that provides me with the strength and energy I need to be refueled each day. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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