New York Giants’ Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Despite his electrifying play on the field, he's continually in the news for his questionable behavior off the field.
The media seems to constantly analyze his actions, attitude, and future with the Giants. They offer suggestions on what he needs to do differently and make predictions on whether or not he’ll change.
Appearing on Fox Sports 1 this past Monday, former linebacker Ray Lewis offered a fresh and passionate perspective on what he thinks is OBJ's problem:
“Odell has removed God from his life. This is a kid that grew up under the covenant of who God really is, and everything that he’s doing, he’s crying out for help.
“And when you see this, what Odell is doing to himself — first of all, I’m not just going to call him out, I’m going to call him. See there are a lot of people calling him out, disappointed. Nah, nah, nah. What I’m disappointed in is we had an agreement, as men.
“But when you tell me you want me in your life to help you, when you tell me that we will be accountable with reading our Bibles and sharing scriptures, and it don’t happen, then you wonder why things around you start to happen.”
Ray Lewis’ willingness to talk about God and Christ on a national sports network is admirable. He spoke from his heart and with a lot of truth.
Lewis obviously doesn’t want to see OBJ make the same mistakes he and others have made in the NFL. He wants to see OBJ get back to his foundation of faith and stop getting dragged down by the NFL lifestyle.
Many of us have people in our lives who appear to have turned their back on God by engaging in activities that are contrary to the Bible. The way we show our concern about the harmful path they are heading is very difficult to navigate.
When we confront them out of anger, they are only pushed further away. When we talk about them behind their backs (or on TV), they don't appreciate that approach either.
We must proceed with caution when “judging” their disobedient lifestyle and be wise like we are told in John 7:24 (AMP): "Do not judge by appearance , but judge fairly and righteously.”
The Bible provides more clarity on this in Galatians 6:1 (AMP):“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness , keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.”
We can’t control someone else’s behavior - they're going to have to make their own decision to repent and allow God to change them.But after we've addressed our own sin, we can lovingly and gently come alongside them. Without angry judgment or self-righteous attacks, we can offer encouragement and point them toward God.
Today as we follow Jesus together, let’s check our heart, trust God’s leading, and help each other stay on track. When we slip or fall, let’s pick each other up in love and grace.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would show me the right and wrong way to help my friends and family get back on track. Help me understand the right way to judge sin while loving well and showing grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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