The NFL starts next week and one of the more intriguing elements to keep an eye on is the players making their debut with a new franchise. Players like Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, Tyreek Hill, A.J. Brown, Baker Mayfield, and Allen Robinson all switched teams in the offseason. There will also be many additional players all over the league wearing different jerseys this fall. Although it’s the nature of the sport, leaving a team where a significant amount of time has been spent, is a big deal. Players have been entrenched in their former city, connected to those teammates, and identified by their role on that team. Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson have especially been key faces of their franchises and will be playing for their first new team since being drafted. We’ve grown accustomed to Wilson leading the Seahawks and Ryan throwing touchdowns to Falcons’ wide receivers. Fans from each of the previous teams have been cheering for these standout players for many years, but now they will view them differently as the guys represent another franchise and enjoy the cheers of brand-new fans. As these players leave their previous teams to begin the next stage of their career, they must learn a different playbook, rethink the way they communicate plays, and embrace the idea that people will view them through a fresh lens. While they change the way they do things during this transition period, I’m reminded of the transformation that takes place as we follow Jesus. Our previous activities, mindsets, desires, and identities represented an old team. However, when we surrender our lives to Jesus and receive His grace, we are given a different playbook, a new way to communicate, and a fresh identity. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:22-24 (AMP), "...regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self , which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind , and put on the new self , created in God’s image, in the righteousness and holiness of the truth .” Davante Adams and Amari Cooper, both traded in the offseason, will need time to adjust to wearing new jerseys and no longer see themselves as a Packer or a Cowboy. Likewise, our spiritual transformation and renewal of thoughts and attitudes take time. However, the more we leave our old life behind and get rid of our “old jerseys,” we can embrace our new team and live a righteous, Holy life found in Jesus. We now represent Him, see through a different lens, and clothe ourselves with a brand-new "uniform." Colossians 3:10 (NLT) encourages us to “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.” Verses 12-14 in the same passage tell us, “Since God chose you to be the Holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Russell Wilson couldn't wait to put on his new jersey and has already been standing out as he wears it on and off the field. Likewise, let's be excited to stand out as we clothe ourselves with our "new jersey" everywhere we go! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m thankful I’m no longer who I used to be. Help me to remember my identity is now in You and teach me to live in a way that represents the new life You’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
In what ways does your old identity or “former team” try to pull you back?
What are the biggest ways your life has changed because God has given you a new nature?
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