The Dallas Cowboys are always an intriguing team that receives plenty of hype and attention heading into each season. This year, there are fairly high expectations when you consider such a talented offense: Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, Dak Prescott, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb.
After disappointing results in recent years, there is hope for a different outcome because of the change at head coach. The Cowboys hired former Packers Super Bowl-winning coach, Mike McCarthy, to take over for Jason Garrett who coached from 2011-2019.
Of course, as McCarthy looks to implement his philosophy and imprint on the team, he's at a disadvantage because of the unusual offseason and lack of in-person time with his players.
However, during his first official meeting with the team at the facility, he made it clear that the team's focus would be, “Everything we do is about winning.”
That sounds simple and somewhat cliche for every team, but he wasn’t brought in to build a team or take a patient approach because he's expected to win right away and win big.
Although the Cowboys have a history of winning Super Bowls, it’s been a long time and makes sense that McCarthy wants winning to be the priority of his players.
That means that every practice, film session, and team activity will be based around winning and representing a winning culture, with less concern about individual stats and personal accomplishments.
It sounds like McCarthy wants his team to concentrate on, be motivated by, and view their efforts through the lens of winning football games. Before making any decision, players can ask themselves, “Is this about winning or something else?”
In unpacking this mentality today, what is our life all about? Is it about temporary winning or lasting victory? Is it about selfish gain and individual accomplishments or a bigger purpose?
As followers of Jesus, we must be aware that everything we do should be about Him, for Him, with Him, as His representative, and ultimately to bring Him glory. We take this approach when taking out the trash without complaining and when we pursue excellence at work.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV), "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
He also gives us this challenge in Colossians 3:17 (AMP): "Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus , giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Each day when we work, raise a family, build a marriage, and serve others, we can concentrate on, be motivated by, and view our efforts through the lens of glorifying and honoring God.
It’s about Him empowering us and getting all the credit so that His greatness shines through us and others are drawn to Him. That’s real winning!
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (AMP) provides this great reminder: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own ?
"You were bought with a price . So then, honor and glorify God with your body.”
Today, let’s think about our own lives and the ways we can reflect God’s character as we keep Him as the focus in all we do. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray my motivation and focus in life would be about honoring and glorifying You. I desire to make my whole life about You because You are worthy. Please show me how to do everything with that in mind. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is your life all about?
How would your life look differently if everything you did was about bringing God glory?
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