The Carolina Panthers will be an intriguing team to follow this year with quarterback Bryce Young (the first overall pick in this year’s draft) as well as new head coach Frank Reich. Last week I attended The Carolina Panthers Kickoff Lunch at the Charlotte Touchdown Club where Reich was the keynote speaker. I thoroughly enjoyed what he had to share and I think his speech provides great parallels for us today. He said that when describing an NFL player, the greatest compliment you can give him is, “He’s a real pro.” Reich went on to describe the type of player who stands out beyond their skill, speed, and size, but someone who really plays and carries himself the right way. I appreciated how Reich used the acronym P.R.O. to describe how a real pro has PASSION, and RESPECT and makes the most of OPPORTUNITIES to get better each day. Reich views PASSION as something much deeper than emotion. Emotion is linked to circumstances, so emotions are affected by the ups and downs and highs and lows. Yes, players feed off the emotion of the game and the crowd, but passion is connected to purpose. Passion can be consistent because they have a purpose that drives them. The collective purpose of the team (to win) and the individual purpose of each player provide the why and then the passion. They have a vision and their passion propels them toward it. Reich talked about how a real pro has RESPECT for the game, his teammates, and his opponents and recognizes that football is bigger than any one person. He made a differentiation between players who tolerate each other and get along by just putting up with something they don’t agree with vs. really respecting someone and giving them dignity and honor. The Panthers have new players and coaches this year and Reich said that respect has to be earned, but likewise, has to be given. He added that real pros also respect the rules of the game and how the game is designed to be played, as well as, respect for the rules of the locker room and the team. Lastly, Reich touched on how a real pro makes the most of the opportunity to get better every day and not just go through the motions. A pro has a sense of urgency and is intentional with how he uses his time. He mentioned that in the NFL there's a weekly routine, but it needs to be infused with urgency and intentionality. I’m pulling hard for the Panthers and I’m hoping with all the new additions to this year’s team, it’s a locker room of real pros that will come together and get things heading in the right direction. As "real" followers of Jesus, we too should similarly represent these three characteristics. In the ESV Bible, there's a section in Romans 12 with the header “Marks of the True Christian.” Verses 9-11 say, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” The New Living Translation of Romans 12:9-11 puts it this way: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Are we living with passion and enthusiasm because our purpose is rooted in following Jesus and God’s vision for our lives? Are we willing to give honor and respect to others? Do we respect God’s design and rules for how we're meant to live? Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT) provides this challenge: “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Today, let’s be like a “real pro” and live with a PASSION to accomplish God’s purposes for us individually and corporately. Let’s RESPECT who God is and the people He’s put on our team...and let’s make the most of every OPPORTUNITY each day to become more and more like Jesus. By embracing the routine and disciplines of a follower of Jesus and infusing urgency and intentionality, we don't have to just go through the motions. Instead, we can surround ourselves with other “real pros” and keep things heading in the right direction. I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me purpose and vision in life. I pray that it will result in genuine passion and enthusiasm as I serve You. Please help me to show others respect and honor and live with urgency and intentionality as I make the most of every opportunity to become more like Jesus. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. Which characteristic of a "PRO" is the toughest for you? 2. Which characteristic of a "PRO" do you feel describes how you live?
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