In conversations about specific NFL players (especially ones who are admired), it’s common to hear the phrase, “He’s a smart player.” That means he’s someone who understands the right things to do and makes good decisions. Ultimately, this describes wise players who stand out and last much longer in the league - not players who are foolish on and off the field. Fullback, Kyle Juszczyk, is a wise player heading into his 11th season, following seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections, and having signed one of the most lucrative contracts at his position in 2021. San Francisco Chronicle writer, Sam Warren, wrote an article about him with the headline, “49ers Fullback Kyle Juszczyk Has Parlayed Wisdom Into NFL Longevity.” Typically, we don't hear much about NFL fullbacks since many teams have gone away from utilizing the position on the field. However, Juszczyk continues to be an integral part of the success of the 49ers rushing attack year after year. The article points out how “Juszczyk has made physical and technical adjustments to ensure his longevity,” and how he and the team have made changes to how they approach the offseason, practice, and weightlifting. In speaking about how their practices have evolved, Juszczyk said, “What I love is that it’s driven in analytics. On the surface, it might sound right that, ‘Oh, you had a break yesterday, so let’s get after it today,’ when really, they’re finding that’s where the most injuries happen. We’re trying to be smart out here.” A combination of facts and experience has led Juszczyk and the 49ers to make wise choices in how they approach all facets of the game. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Atlanta Falcons head coach, Arthur Smith, also recognizes the value of wisdom and how younger players need to glean from wise veterans. He recently shared, "I told some of those young guys that it’s not just on the field, off the field, how they handle stuff, we’ve got great veterans in there. Like go ask them what their routines are, their habits, how they take care of themselves, sleep, all that stuff. Use that wisdom that’s in the locker room. Hopefully, they take advantage of it don’t waste it.” Wisdom is available to the players who ask for it and seek it out, and the ones who become wise will stick around and make an impact. As followers of Jesus, we have access to wisdom that comes from the all-knowing God of the universe. When wondering what the right decision is, what approach we should take, and how best to move forward, we need wisdom. Thankfully, James 1:5 (AMP) tells us that all we have to do is ask: “If any of you lacks wisdom , he is to ask of God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.” True wisdom from God enables us to make the right choices which will allow us to "stick around and have an impact." Because God generously makes wisdom available to us, “Hopefully, we take advantage of it and don’t waste it.” James 3:13 (NLT) says, “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV) adds, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Today, let’s “parlay wisdom into spiritual longevity” and faithfulness...and experience the rich blessings of wise living as described in Proverbs 3:13-18 (NLT): “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.” I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your willingness to give me wisdom. Right now I need wisdom in my choices, circumstances, and relationships. I don’t want to act foolishly based on my limited understanding, so I need wisdom that comes from You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. How have you seen your life change as you've leaned on the wisdom that comes from God? 2. What is something You are seeking God for wisdom right now?
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