The NFL playoffs start tomorrow and, of course, Tom Brady led his team to the postseason. This time, however, he’s playing in a different uniform while someone else is coaching on the sidelines.
Brady’s first season in Tampa Bay had some ups and downs as he got acclimated to new teammates and schemes. When the team lost, questions were raised about Head Coach, Bruce Arians, and the dynamic between him and his legendary quarterback.
Ultimately, the two successfully came together to help the Bucs go 11-5 and end the second-longest playoff drought in the NFL at 13 seasons.
ESPN.com’s, Jenna Laine, wrote an article this week that provides insight into how Bruce Arians builds relationships with his QBs and how he stuck with his approach, even with the 43-year-old 6x Super Bowl-winning, Tom Brady.
In the article, Brady was quoted as saying this on NFL Network:
“Working with BA has been really great for me in a very different way. You know, he’s very tough on you when things aren’t the way they need to be.”
The following quotes were also included to further explain the methods Arians uses with his players:
Former Colts QB, Andrew Luck, said, "He's honest, he challenges you...he coaches you hard."
Former Cardinals QB, Drew Stanton, added, “He invests time in the players...and I think understanding what makes people tick - you can’t motivate everybody the same way.”
Bucs' offensive coordinator, Byron Leftwich, commented, "He’ll coach you hard and come and give you a hug.”
And finally, Bruce Arians summed it up himself by acknowledging, "Sometimes you don’t like the truth, but I’m going to give you the truth and it’ll hurt for a minute, but it’s real...I think our guys appreciate that.”
During press conferences throughout this season, it was surprising to hear Arians tell the truth about the mistakes Brady made during the game. But with a little bit more perspective (the Bucs improved and finished the season strong), we can now see the value of his approach.
A key takeaway we can apply to our lives as followers of Jesus is understanding the importance of speaking the truth in love, even when it’s tough to do.
This means we don't arrogantly or angrily call others out just because something is true. Instead, we kindly approach them with the truth in love...hoping to motivate them to grow, mature, and become more like Jesus.
Just like a player needs his coach to be "tough on him when things aren’t the way they need to be,” we should rely on one another to be honest when we have concerns about something.
We point people to the truth of the Gospel and the truth of God’s Word to build them up (not tear them down), and play a part in transforming their lives.
Paul provides great encouragement for us in Ephesians chapter 4 (NLT). In verses 1 and 2 he writes, “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
He goes on to talk about being united in the Spirit and the gifts God’s given us to equip and build each other up as believers while maturing in the Lord.
In verse 15, Paul says, “...we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”
The Living Bible translates verses 15 and 16 this way: “Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all times—speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly—and so become more and more in every way like Christ who is the Head of his body, the Church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly, and each part in its own special way helps the other parts, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
Bruce Arians builds relationships with his quarterbacks and speaks the truth not to hurt them, but to help them develop into more effective players.
Today, let’s similarly understand the importance of seeking and speaking the truth in love so we can help others become more effective and healthy members of the body of believers.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please humble me and show me the areas of my life that need changing. Also, help me to always be honest and speak the truth in love. Please give me the right words to say at the appropriate time. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways has speaking the truth in love encouraged you or someone else?
What have you learned from past mistakes where you were honest, but didn’t approach the person from a place of love?
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