As we continue our 32 Teams, 32 Devotional Series, today we turn our attention to the Los Angeles Chargers. They are coming off an impressive season that took them to the divisional round in the playoffs where they lost to the Patriots. With most of their weapons and talented players returning, there are high hopes for this season.
However, so far in training camp, the one significant person who is missing in action is running back Melvin Gordon. He’s been a productive back during his four-year career and last year he averaged over five yards a carry.
His rookie contract is going to end after the 2019 season and he is looking to secure a long term deal with an increased salary. Since he and the Chargers have been unable to agree on the terms of a new contract, Gordon isn’t showing up to training camp.
It’s being reported that the Chargers have presented a generous offer, but Gordon is choosing not to agree to the terms and instead has decided a holdout is his best option.
As we consider this choice by Gordon, let’s unpack the definition of a holdout, which is "an act of resisting something or refusing to accept what is offered.”
As crazy as it seems for a player not to accept an offer that includes millions of dollars every year to play a sport, it’s even more upsetting that there are many of us choosing a “holdout” with our faith.
The Bible clearly tells us everything that God offers us through Jesus. He’s given us an incredible deal that includes a payment for our sin, eternal life, grace, mercy, and personal access through prayer to the Creator of the world.
However, people are choosing to reject this Good News and loving offer...and picking a “holdout” instead.
On the flip side, many of us today have indeed chosen to receive salvation through Jesus and have gratefully accepted His free gift, but we can still find ourselves refusing and resisting other aspects of the “offer.”
We have to question why we're choosing a holdout instead of accepting the following "terms":
Jesus is willing to lead us and guide us in every area of our lives.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6; NIV).
Jesus is offering us an abundant life.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10; ESV).
Jesus is providing us satisfaction and fulfillment.
"The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil" (Proverbs 19:23; AMP).
Jesus is giving us the ability to live with freedom.
"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17; NLT).
Today, let’s end our “holdout” and agree to the unbelievable “terms” we’ve been offered by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We bring nothing to the table except for our sin, yet we receive a “long term” deal that includes peace, forgiveness, and eternal life.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful for the incredible free gift of salvation through Jesus. I pray I’d embrace all that You offer me and no longer miss out on the wonderful blessings that are available in You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways do you feel like you are choosing a “holdout” instead of what Jesus offers us?
Which of the above verses hits you the hardest today?
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