League of Denial

I must admit, the constant conversation about concussions in the NFL gets old after a while. This is probably because I love watching football and don’t want to know what’s wrong with it. But every day it seems like there is another story about the dangers of concussions, the cover-up by the NFL, studies about the effects of head trauma, and lawsuits coming from different sides. The whole situation has many layers, but the one word that seems to really capture what’s going on is “denial.” There is a book and documentary about this issue titled, League of Denial, which addresses the prevalence of denial when it comes to the severity of concussions, the NFL’s role in not preventing them, and the disbelief of players that concussions will seriously affect them. I believe denial is a serious concern for those involved in the NFL, but I also think we need to consider whether we are in denial of anything in our own lives. I looked up the definition and it means, “failure to acknowledge an unacceptable truth.” There are aspects of our lives that prevent us from enjoying the fullness of God and also negatively affect ourselves and the people around us. Unfortunately, we either don’t see what’s going on or we don’t want to admit what’s really going on. We can be in denial that work is more important than our marriage, or that we have an addiction to something, or that our faith isn’t as genuine as we want people to think it is. Change and growth begin when we acknowledge the truth. This can happen when we pursue the Lord and pray this prayer in Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Today, let’s admit we don’t have it all together. Let's ask God to show us the areas of our lives that need to change and the aspects of our character or behavior that we have failed to acknowledge as unacceptable. Let’s enjoy the fullness of God and find freedom because of the truth of Jesus. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Forgive me for being in denial of these sins in my life and cleanse me and give me the strength to walk in truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.