We just witnessed what many fans are considering the greatest weekend in NFL history!
All four games were decided on the final play and three road teams pulled off the upset. We experienced wild plays on special teams, clutch field goals, comebacks, fumbles, and incredible highlight plays in each game.
The best part of watching as fans at home was not only seeing each amazing individual game, but every one getting better and better throughout the weekend.
Starting with the Bengals vs. Titans and ending with the Bills vs. Chiefs, each game added another twist, a fresh storyline, a bigger surprise, extra entertainment, and more intrigue.
Basically, each game outdid the previous game and last night’s Chiefs and Bills game outdid every game we’ve ever seen in the playoffs!
The game was so phenomenal because we saw two teams go back and forth all night long. In the final two minutes of regulation, there were 25 points scored as the lead changed three different times.
Every time Josh Allen threw a ridiculous touchdown for the Bills, Patrick Mahomes came out and did something even more spectacular and vice versa.
Of course, this unforgettable game went into overtime and eventually ended with the Chiefs dramatically scoring a game-winning touchdown.
Despite there having to be a winner and a loser, all night long, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes participated in a quarterback duel for the ages.
They took turns raising the bar, outdoing each other, and bringing the best out of each other as they both laid it all out on the field. What a treat to witness each team rise to the occasion and each quarterback find new ways to take the lead and exceed what was done on the previous drive.
Oftentimes in life, we find ourselves competing and wanting to be better than other people and wanting to win in our endeavors. This can be good and bad, but today I want to unpack the ways the Bible tells us we can always positively outdo others.
Romans 12:10 (ESV) says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
The same verse in the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation challenges us to “Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another.”
So, what if we “stepped on the field looking to take the lead” when it comes to respecting, admiring, valuing, and appreciating others?
What if we nurtured relationships, built people up, and helped them grow in ways they never thought possible?
What if we looked for opportunities to exceed what someone has done for us in regards to encouragement?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
What if we set out to raise the bar by bringing out the best in each other as we inspire and challenge one another to follow Jesus and lay down our lives “out on the field”?
Hebrews 10:24 (NLT) gives us this valuable instruction: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”
We could have a tremendous impact by embracing our turn to take it up a level with our serving, showing hospitality, sacrificing, encouraging, honoring, and giving.
Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) tells us, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
The NFL world was watching last night as two teams went back and forth doing unbelievable things while two quarterbacks took turns shining.
As followers of Jesus, we have the opportunity to take turns honoring each other, pushing each other to do great things in the Lord, loving more and more, giving above and beyond, and bringing out the best in each other.
Today, let's realize the world is watching us...and that is how they will see Christ shining through!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please reveal the ways I can motivate and encourage others. I pray I'd have a desire to outdo people in showing honor. Teach me to value others above myself and be willing to sacrifice. I ask that You would shine through me! In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways could you encourage or honor someone today?
In what ways has someone else brought out the best in you?
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