The Kansas City Chiefs were one of the best teams in the NFL last year (especially on offense), thanks to their MVP quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. They had a strong rushing attack with multiple running backs and tight end, Travis Kelce, became arguably the best tight end in the game.
However, as impressive of a season the Chiefs had, their defense was one of the worst in the league. They ranked 31st in total yards and 26th in points allowed per game.
Because of this, head coach Andy Reid decided to make a change at defensive coordinator and brought in Steve Spagnuolo to coach that side of the ball.
Every coordinator has their own style and philosophy to help maximize what their players can do on the field and based on the offseason practices, the new approach has been a positive change.
TheAthletic.com has an article by Nate Taylor with the headline, "‘Simple is Good’: Anthony Hitchens Finding Comfort in New Scheme After Complicated, Lackluster Year Under Bob Sutton.”
Hitchens, the Chiefs star linebacker said, “Simple is good for a lot of players...you know exactly who is right and who is wrong. It’s no, ‘Well, he could’ve done this or that.’ It’s like, ‘Okay, you have the A-gap, you’ve got the A-gap.’”
In speaking further about Spagnuolo’s scheme, Hitchen said, “Once you get it down, everyone can play fast...it lets you run free a lot.”
Just like many coaches or players can overcomplicate the game of football with their fancy terms, complex schemes, and cumbersome gameplan, we can do the same in life and in our faith.
We can allow ourselves to be so overwhelmed by the intricacies of the Bible or so bogged down by trying to do everything perfectly that we get discouraged and confused.
There's no question that we’ll never fully grasp God’s greatness and power or understand every aspect of His Word, but that should humble us and lead us to worship Him even more. We continue to grow in our understanding while staying rooted in what is simple.
Solomon provides this simple wisdom in Ecclesiastes 12:13 (AMP): "When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person.”
Just like football players can play freer when things are simplified, we can find tremendous freedom and joy when we allow God’s simple truths to guide our lives.
Micah 6:8 (NLT) provides this simple encouragement: “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Today, when life feels complicated, let’s rest in the grace we have because of the simple yet profound truth of the gospel. Let’s remain focused on simply loving God and loving people.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I wouldn’t get distracted or discouraged by overcomplicating things. I desire to live with freedom and joy as I trust You. Thank you for providing me a clear and simple way to know You. I pray this in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
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