This week at the Charlotte Touchdown Club Luncheon, I heard former NFL quarterback, Philip Rivers speak. Having recently retired after 16 seasons with the Chargers and one season with the Colts, he entertained us with interesting stories and a colorful recap of his career.
I have to admit I wasn’t a big fan during his playing days, as I rooted for other players and teams, but after listening to him speak, I gained a ton of respect and appreciation for Rivers.
He not only shared football stories but also explained lessons he learned along the way and the different principles he believes in. I especially loved when he talked about experiencing growth from uncomfortable situations.
He also told about using the Latin mantra, “Nunc Coepi,” which means "now I begin." What a great reminder of how we're always starting fresh or needing renewal or beginning a new day. This next-play mentality is not only crucial for quarterbacks but translates well to life.
Among the many significant elements of Rivers' speech, I'd like to unpack his thoughts about focusing on the process instead of riding the wave of results.
While playing for Colts coach, Frank Reich last season, he was encouraged to do just that. This particularly resonated with Rivers because of what he experienced earlier in his career.
Admittedly, riding the wave of results became extremely draining for him. He would feel on top of the world when the Chargers won...and terrible when they lost while allowing the results to wear him out.
Rivers eventually chose to focus on the process of practicing, studying the playbook, and watching game film. During his time with the Colts, he was all-in when coach Reich would tell the team, “we’re not going to ride the wave of the results on Sunday, we’re gonna be the same group every single week.”
Although the team had goals and were playing to win the game each week, Rivers acknowledged that focusing on the process kept him at peace.
Each week he wasn’t stressed out or worried so much about the results (winning or losing the game) but realized when focusing on the process, they would probably win.
Whether in sports, business, or life, we understand that results get a lot of attention and there is an enormous value placed on outcomes, achievements, and performances. However, I think Rivers and Reich have such an inspiring perspective.
The wave of results and how it dictates our emotions and view of ourselves can be debilitating. We easily get stressed out or worried about our accomplishments, numbers, and goals, which can even seep into our spiritual lives.
When it comes to our faith journeys, we absolutely want to have fruit in our lives, but what if we trusted God for the fruit (results) instead of beating ourselves up when losing or puffing ourselves up when winning?
What if, instead of being performance-based while riding the wave of results, we stuck to the process of following Jesus and taking up our cross each day?
By focusing on fellowship, surrender, prayer, and reading God's Word, we can leave the results up to God while He transforms our lives and accomplishes what He wants to - in us and through us.
Philippians 2:13 (AMP) tells us, "For it is God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
We can be encouraged by Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NLT): “Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.”
At times, we’ll lose focus on the process, miss the mark, not see an instant change in certain areas of life, and be discouraged by the results.
But, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, remain faithful to His plan, and stick to the sanctification process of being set apart and made holy, we'll have peace in knowing the wins will come!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that I often focus more on my performance, accomplishments, and goals instead of fixing my eyes on Jesus. Help me to trust the sanctification process and leave the results up to You. Please give me peace in the process as I know You are transforming me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Are you more process-focused or results-driven?
How would your life change if you trusted God with the results and stuck to the sanctification process of becoming more like Jesus?
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