"Stuff is Different Around Here"

As NFL teams begin training camp, they are all filled with hopeful anticipation for a successful new season and ultimately a Super Bowl win. However, there are always teams who have been told by management and coaches that things would change but never do. Teams like the Tennessee Titans have experienced multiple losing seasons in a row, so their optimistic expectations are not as likely. Having said that, the Titans’ new general manager, Jon Robinson, recently made this comment: "We've talked about change since January, and I think from an aesthetic standpoint when you talk about change to players that have been here a while, it becomes lip service unless they see something...so I think the moves that we made in the offseason kind of sparkled their eyes a little bit: 'This is going to be different.' The aesthetic improvements that we've made, to the locker room, the new bubble, when they walk in, I think that's just going to further cement the message that we are trying to preach to these guys: that stuff is different around here.” Although the Titans have many challenges in front of them, the key to turning things around is implementing genuine and effective changes - not hype and lip service. Too often teams make big claims about a new direction but don’t actually follow through. I hate to admit it, but isn’t that also true for us? We declare that particular areas of our life will change or we’re going to start doing things differently, but then never really live up to it. We make hollow promises and try to do things in our limited strength without fully surrendering and trusting God to do the transforming. All too often we get in the way or go back to our default behavior. But, if we truly take the necessary steps to change from the inside out and allow God to move in us, then we will be able to confidently say that “stuff is different around here.” In order to have lasting change that is rooted in the transforming work of Christ, the Bible gives us this challenge in Romans 12:2 (ESV): “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” As followers of Jesus, our character grows and our lives look different when we trust God to change our hearts and align our minds with His will. Today, let’s desire for God to reveal the changes He’d like to see us make, and rely on Him to do the transforming. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that I wouldn't try to make changes in my own strength, but instead fully trust You and believe in Your power to transform from the inside out. I pray I wouldn't make hollow declarations that I'm going to change without truly surrendering to You. I'm thankful for Your grace through Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.