We all know that Tom Brady will steal most of the spotlight leading up to the Super Bowl, but Atlanta Falcons' quarterback, Matt Ryan, has taken his game to another level throughout their successful season. Ryan has led his team to the big game by putting together an MVP-caliber year for the league’s best offense.
Recognized as one of the better quarterbacks in the league, Ryan has had a solid Falcons career, but his playoff record was 1-4 heading into this year’s postseason. Quarterbacks are judged on how they play in the most important games of the year and whether or not they win Super Bowls. A regular-season MVP award is nice for a quarterback, but winning a ring carries even more weight.
The question swirling around Ryan is whether or not he’s an “elite” quarterback. With standards set for what constitutes being elite, we love ranking players at this position and determining who is on the path to elite status. Ryan is taking the steps toward that level, and if he wins next Sunday, many will give him the nod for being one of the league’s elite QBs.
We know when discussing elite quarterbacks, there will never be a perfect one. No quarterback will complete every pass, win every game, and never get sacked. However, there is still the desire for every great QB to pursue “eliteness” and to stand out above the rest by reaching this highest standard.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to a similar mindset. Although we will never be perfect, we should still desire to stand out from the world and reach the highest standard. We aren’t pursuing “eliteness” as much as we’re striving for “holiness.”
The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:14-16 (NLT), "So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'”
Holiness can sound overwhelming, but today let’s be encouraged to desire a life that is devoted, pure, and dedicated to following Jesus and becoming more like Him. We are set apart because of our faith in Jesus, so let’s walk in confidence as we pursue holiness and rely on Him to give us the power to do so. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that I’m saved and forgiven because of what Jesus did on the cross. I could never live a perfect life. However, I desire to pursue holiness so that my life is honorable and reflective of what Jesus has done for me. I know I’m called to a different standard as a follower of Jesus, and I need Your strength to be holy in everything I do. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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