The NFL regular season is officially over and that means two things: the playoffs start this weekend and today is “Black Monday.” For some coaches and general managers around the league, today is the day they are officially let go, and their team gets rid of them. During the coming hours and days, it will be revealed which franchises are parting ways with their coaches and what GMs are being relieved of their duties. So far, the Commanders are moving on from head coach, Ron Rivera, after four seasons...and the Falcons have cut ties with head coach, Arthur Smith, following three straight 7-10 seasons. We are waiting to see if the Bears want to start fresh...whether the Patriots will decide to go in a different direction...and if the Titans decide to take a new approach. Teams that got a head start on letting go of their head coaches were the Panthers, Raiders, and Chargers, and today in Carolina, GM Scott Fitterer was also dismissed. It’s a tough day for everyone involved, but franchises determine that the coach and/or GM is holding the team back and by removing them the team is freed up. As we hear the news of firings across the NFL today, let's consider what needs to be “let go” in our own lives. What mindsets and behaviors are holding us back and need to be removed? For some of us, it’s time to part ways with the bitterness and anger we’ve been hanging onto far too long. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) tells us to, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” For others, we need to dismiss worry, cut ties with stress, and part ways with fear. For many, we must get rid of the idols in our lives and move on from anything that has replaced God as our greatest passion. Thankfully, because of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can go in a different direction and take a new approach as we align our lives with Him and follow His path for us. As we seek Him, we can ask Him to enable us to let go of any sin that is holding us back. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Today, as franchises are evaluating the status of their coaches and GMs, let's evaluate anything in our lives that causes us to lose, go in the wrong direction, and need to be “relieved of their duties.” It’s difficult to tell sin, fear, anger, bitterness, and worry they are being “let go,” but we’ll experience freedom as God renews our minds and transforms our hearts with a fresh start. I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You would help me identify anything in my life that is holding me back from thriving and living the life You’ve called me to. Please give me the strength to let go of fear, worry, and bitterness and replace them with joy, peace, and hope. Thank you for Your grace and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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