The February 8th NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching. Rumors and trade discussions are beginning to intensify, as teams are determining which direction they’re heading and which players will help them get there.
Playoff teams may make a deal to give them an additional player to get them over the hump. Some general managers will want to shake up their roster because team chemistry is an issue. And other teams will move their veteran players in favor of younger guys or draft picks.
Then there are franchises out of the playoff picture with crippling huge contracts and underperforming players. Such teams can be held back from winning when their overpaid players are guaranteed money for an extended length of time.
These players take up a lot of cap space, but their value to the team doesn’t live up to their price tag. The Lakers, Hornets, Knicks, and Cavs are a few teams looking to “shed contracts” at the trade deadline, in an attempt to let go of the players not included in the long-term plan. They have informed other GMs that these players are available in trade talks.
We can implement a comparable approach in our own lives when contemplating the sins, activities, and even people, holding us back from being who God has called us to be.
Each of us should be looking to “shed contracts” and determine what’s preventing us from really thriving. Which parts of our lives need to be “shaken up” and what are we hanging onto that is actually crippling us?
The Bible explains in Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV), "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Today, as we look to Jesus, let’s “shed contracts” or lay aside every weight and sin that’s bringing us down, and keeping us from the joy and peace we desire.
Let’s trade those sins for grace, forgiveness, and freedom because God has made each of them available through Jesus. All we have to do is accept the offer.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for offering to trade me a new life in exchange for my old life. I am grateful Jesus is available for me to follow. Please help me move on from the sins that cling so closely. I desire to walk in freedom with peace and joy found in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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