Super Bowl Week Distractions

The ultimate goal for teams in the NFL is to win the Super Bowl. The Broncos and Panthers are days away from playing in the big game. From the moment each team walked off the field after the AFC and NFC championship games, their focus shifted to thinking about competing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy in San Francisco. However, along with the dream of experiencing the action on the field this Sunday, the players have a week filled with media responsibilities, family obligations, temptations and opportunities for fun. These are all distractions from the game, and the game can easily become an afterthought if players don’t stay focused.  Former player Eugene Robinson fell for a distraction when his Falcons were in the Super Bowl years ago. He gave an encouraging speech to the Panthers before leaving Charlotte, and wide receiver Brenton Bersin summed it up like this: “He was basically saying don't mess up, and don't let the hoopla and all the stuff that's available to you…you don't have to be doing all that stuff." When it comes to our own lives and following Jesus, we also have to be aware of the distractions surrounding us. The Bible says in 1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.“ The Panthers and Broncos will be tempted to get caught up in the hype of Super Bowl week, but if they concentrate on their purpose for being there, they can avoid the interruptions that take them off course. Today, let’s be challenged to address our own distractions that prevent us from loving God fully and doing His will in our lives...and let's remain focused on Him. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!