Quarterbacks Replaced

As sports fans, we realize that injuries continue to play a significant role in the NFL season, and as much as quarterbacks are protected, they aren't immune to getting hurt. Yesterday, Vikings starting quarterback Kirk Cousins went down with a season-ending Achilles injury, while Steelers' QB Kenny Pickett went out with a rib injury that will cost him some time. Cousins was replaced by Jaren Hall, and Mitch Trubisky replaced Pickett. They join a growing list of backup quarterbacks taking over their offenses, such as Tyson Bagent filling Justin Fields’ spot on the Bears, and PJ Walker doing the same for the Browns' Deshaun Watson. There are other starters out for the regular season, including Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis and Aaron Rodgers with the Jets. Garden Minshew has taken over for Richardson while Zach Wilson is trying to fill the giant hole left by Rodgers. Meanwhile, Tyrod Taylor was the new starter for the Giants following Daniel Jones’ injury, but Taylor went down on Sunday and Tommy DeVito stepped in. The Arizona Cardinals once again were led by Joshua Dobbs while Kyler Murray continued his journey back from injury. The other backup quarterback we saw yesterday was Taylor Heinicke who came in for Desmond Ridder. Many fans thought the reason was due to his poor play, but apparently, he had a head injury. Either way, a QB controversy is brewing in Atlanta because of Ridder’s recent performance struggles. In Tennesse, rookie Will Levis was called upon to replace Ryan Tannehill against the Falcons and he ended up throwing four touchdowns in the win. The conversation is now about Levis permanently replacing Tannehill moving forward. With backup quarterbacks playing on ten teams, coaches must be wondering how long they're going to replace their starter with an inferior player...or if they need to make a QB change and replace their starter moving forward because it's clear now that someone else makes their team better. Of course, multiple factors come into play, so we’ll have to wait and see how things turn out for these teams. As we think about teams replacing quarterbacks, I want to unpack the mindsets and behaviors we need to replace. I also want to challenge us on the inferior things that replace God as our greatest passion and Lord ("starter") of our lives. For some of us, our “starter” has become work, money, success, and busyness, and these things have taken over as our primary focus in life. However, in Matthew 6:24 (AMP) Jesus says, “'No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon .'” We also have to be aware if we're replacing joy, peace, hope, and faith with worry, fear, stress, and anxiousness. Let's not allow that negativity to come in and lead our thoughts and emotions because they are better off "left on the bench." We don't want to fill our minds and hearts with sinful things, but rather permanently hand over the reins to the One who clearly makes us better. Romans 8:5-6 (NLT) explains, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” We also have to be careful not to replace obedience, holiness, faithfulness, and perseverance with lust, impurity, earthly pursuits, and pride. Those “backups” don’t lead to victory and can’t be trusted. We must take this seriously, as Colossians 3:5 (NLT) tells us, “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” Instead of letting the world and culture lead our “offense,” let’s be led by God and His Word. Let’s choose to replace our selfishness with sacrifice and our doubt with faith. Ultimately, we want to experience a change by replacing that which is inferior with the One who is best. Let's remember there is only One who can step in and fill the "giant hole" in our soul and who is worthy to be our Lord ("starter"). Everything else is a weak "backup" that only temporarily satisfies. With Jesus remaining as our “starter,” He will help us replace our former life with our new life as we are challenged to: “...throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:22-24; NLT). I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for replacing You with things that don't truly satisfy. Please replace the negative and sinful mindsets and behaviors in my life with obedience and holiness. I desire to be led by the Holy Spirit, and I thank You for being Lord of my life. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS: 1. What things have taken over as a priority in your life, and even replaced God as the "starter" and Lord of all areas? 2. What sinful mindsets and behaviors need to be replaced in your life?