NFL tight end, Jason Witten, recently retired after 15 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys - the most of any player in the franchise's history.
He walks away as Dallas’ leader in receptions (1,152), receiving yards (12,448), games played (239), and consecutive games played (235). Witten also finishes with the fourth-most catches in NFL history behind Jerry Rice, Tony Gonzalez, and Larry Fitzgerald.
Although Witten displayed tremendous skills on the field, more importantly, he is regarded as a standup guy - a great teammate, a fan favorite, and an excellent player to coach.
Following Witten’s retirement announcement, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said, “I can't imagine ever respecting someone more as a football player and as a person than Jason Witten."
Former teammate DeMarcus Ware referred to Witten as “Mr. Dependable” when posting a "congratulations" on social media.
Witten shared these heartfelt words as he looked back on his career: "For the past 15 years, every practice, every film session, every notebook I filled, every ounce of sweat, I did so because of my love and drive for the game of football. And I tried my absolute best to be dependable - dependable to my teammates, to my coaches, to my family and to all those who were cheering us on."
As we think about “Mr. Dependable” and his desire to be reliable on and off the field, I hope we’re challenged to think about our own lives.
Do others consider us dependable? Do we live up to our word? Are we reliable to show up when we need to? Are we someone that others can always count on to come through? Do others trust us and want us on their “team?”
When representing Jesus to others, dependability shows integrity and sets forth a good example for them to follow. We want to remain consistent in our faith as we showcase a trustworthy and reliable commitment to loving God and loving others.
The Bible challenges us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): “Therefore, My beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
The New International Version (NIV) puts it this way: “Therefore, My dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
As we say goodbye to Jason Witten the football player and watch him as an analyst for Monday Night Football this fall, let’s be inspired by his dependability.
By acknowledging his effectiveness in consistently producing and showing up in significant ways, let’s strive to do the same as we live out our faith.
Let’s stand firm in the Lord by modeling a reliability and steadfastness that others can count on. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not always living up to my word and failing to be dependable. I’m thankful for Your grace and ask that You would strengthen me as I desire to stand firm with reliable faith and character. Thank you for the example Jesus gave us. I ask that I, too, would represent trustworthiness as others look to me. In His name, I pray, Amen.
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