Thankfully, as NFL fans we’ve got the Draft to get excited about, which is coming up in a couple of weeks. Of course, it’s going to be structured a lot differently this year, but it will still be fascinating to watch and find out which players teams select.
Although fans won't be phased too much by the shift and reliance on digital and virtual logistics, this greatly affects General Managers and decision-makers.
It’s going to be tricky for the entire staff to communicate and get on the same page regarding how they'll use each pick. Normally, they’re all in-person in the same “war room.”
Plus, the weeks leading up to the Draft have been altered dramatically because GMs, scouts, and coaches aren’t able to go through the normal process of preparation. It’s also a big deal that teams aren’t able to have the same in-person interviews with prospects.
Even though it’s been challenging for everyone involved, the changes have and will affect everyone, so all teams are having to adjust accordingly.
Some GMs will embrace the circumstances and still have a strong draft while other GMs will make mistakes, not handle the situation well, and inevitably come up with excuses.
We know that won't be the case in San Francisco, as GM John Lynch recently shared this perspective:
“I’m thankful for the terrific work that our entire staff — from our scouts, our coaches, our IT, our video — to get ready for this draft. This draft is absolutely huge for us, so there’s no excuses, no explanations. We’ve got to get our work done, albeit from home. We’ve been killing the Zoom meetings. I should have bought stock in Zoom.”
Lynch has already proven he’s an excellent GM and saying “there’s no excuses” captures his winning mentality. Although excuses are easy to use and oftentimes the default for many people in both football and life, they hold us back and reveal a lack of strength, integrity, and great leadership.
Unfortunately, we often make excuses for why we make mistakes, why we let people down, why we don't follow through, and why we can’t do something. We also either make excuses for why we sin or give ourselves excuses to sin.
As followers of Jesus, we’ve been given grace and forgiveness, but it doesn’t give us an excuse to sin. 1 Peter 2:16 (AMP) tells us to "Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover or pretext for evil, but as bond-servants of God.”
Another challenge we have is to stop making excuses for why we can’t forgive someone or why we shouldn’t love someone. We have a long list of reasons, but we have to realize these excuses are holding us back from doing the right thing.
Also, asking ourselves why we continue making excuses for not telling others about Jesus is especially important. We know He changes lives and people need Him, so why are we okay with making excuses for not sharing the Gospel?
Finally, many people make excuses for not believing in God at all, but the Bible doesn’t give them an out. Romans 1:20 (AMP) says, “For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship , so that they are without excuse and without defense.”
Some NFL GMs will rise to the occasion during this year's Draft while others will rely on excuses. Today let’s choose what kind of approach we’ll take in our own lives.
Will we take responsibility for our actions and look for opportunities to do what’s right while making the most of our situation...or will we search for excuses?
As I’ve heard before, no excuses...play like a champion!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for making bad excuses for disobedience, procrastination, and letting people down. I pray I’d live a life of integrity and strength as I rely on You instead of myself. I thank You for Your grace and the freedom You’ve given me in Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What excuses do you most often rely on?
How do you feel when others give you their excuses?
How can you replace excuses with responsibility and change?
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