The Tennessee Titans have a handful of decisions to make this season regarding impact players in their contract years, such as Marcus Mariota and Derrick Henry. Despite potentially stressful financial decisions with these talents, the Titans can rest in knowing their star tight end, Delanie Walker will be returning from his 2018 season-ending ankle injury. Titans safety Kevin Byard described Walker as “An unbelievably deceptive route runner, and so strong that he just manhandles you.” In Walker's five full seasons with the Titans (not including last season where he only played one game due to injury), he averaged roughly 831 yards and five touchdowns. The 6’2, 248-pound veteran is a nightmare for defenses. But besides the on-field production, Walker is also making an impact off the field. In regard to charity and philanthropy, reporter Joe Rexrode wrote in The Athletic, “When the Titans do something, you can usually find Walker in the middle of it.” Unfortunately, Walker also understands that he's sometimes criticized for his involvement in these efforts. He recently said, “Sometimes I feel like the message ends up going the wrong way with this stuff. Like athletes only do things in the community to be liked. Or for the ‘likes.’” Walker brings up an issue that Paul identified with when he wrote a letter to the Galatians: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10, NIV). Paul was evidently accused by false teachers of chasing popularity and converts to enhance his reputation due to his doctrine of salvation through Christ alone apart from Jewish law. However, he rejects these accusations by making the profound statement that he cannot aim to selfishly please people and serve Christ. The two are exclusive of one another. As followers of Jesus, we need to regularly check our hearts to examine our motivation for our good works. Are we chasing recognition and searching for praise...or is our motivation out of a love for Jesus backed by our transformed nature through the finished work of Christ on the cross? Galatians 1:10, Romans 5:15-18, and Matthew 6:24 all make the claim that we are either serving Christ or we aren’t. We cannot serve multiple masters...only One. Who will you serve? I’m Luke Heaton and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Lord, thank you for graciously saving me from the penalty of my sin. Help me to serve You faithfully. Allow me to examine my heart to see my motivation for good works. I pray that You would help drive out selfish motives that aim to glorify myself instead of You. In Jesus Name, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What are your selfish motives for doing good works?
Are you fulfilled by selfish motives or left unsatisfied? Why?
Why should we serve to give God glory instead of ourselves?
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