Tonight kicks off another weekend of football and every week consists of “big games.” The fans and media believe that some games carry more weight than others, so we love to focus on those instead of the ones we deem less important.
We know that rivalry games, divisional/conference games, and games against ranked opponents bring more excitement. Fans are more emotionally engaged and place a greater value on their team winning those types of games.
What I find interesting, however, is when coaches do their best to tell their players and the media that every game is important without differentiating...and make statements such as these:
“We’re approaching this game like every other game.”
“Every game is equal.”
“We don't have that game circled, it’s just another game.”
“We’re trying to remain level-headed and not get too hyped up
about this game.”
Whether they admit it or not, some games have greater consequences than others and because of that, everyone takes them more seriously.
At the same time, every game has to be given the proper approach and focus so a team doesn’t overlook an opponent and end up dealing with a major upset.
A coach also has to be careful not to let his team turn one game on their schedule into their “Super Bowl.” If they disregard the other games, they might win the big one but lose the rest of the year.
I find in life, these same perspectives play out when it comes to our view of sin. On one hand, we consider all sins to be equal because sin is sin, but we know that some of them are focused on more than others. We get so hyped about removing one sin in our life that we can overlook the rest.
I believe that we are all sinners in need of grace. Romans 3:23 (ESV) says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”
Regardless of the “big” or “small” sins we have committed and will commit, we need Jesus as our Savior. He forgives us when we confess our sins...and that means all of our sins.
In other words, each of our sins should be taken seriously and we should grieve any sin that is a result of our disobedience.
James 4:17 (NLT) says, "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
As we parallel sin to how we view certain games on the schedule, it’s not wise to take some “games" or "sin” lightly, but we also have to acknowledge that certain sins do have greater consequences here on earth.
There is a reason the Bible focuses on some sins more than others because God loves us and wants to protect us from the consequences. But that doesn’t mean we only win “those games.” Every game counts and all sin matters.
James 2:10-11 (NLT) tells us, "For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. For the same God who said, 'You must not commit adultery,' also said, 'You must not murder.' So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.”
This is a hard topic to navigate, but just like a coach desires to win every game, let’s desire to obey God every day. Let’s rely on Jesus to lead us away from sin and take His Word seriously.
Ultimately, let’s not focus so much on how "big" or "minor" sin is considered, but rather focus on Jesus who frees us from the bondage of sin and death. We're all in need of His grace.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I'm so grateful that You sent Jesus to pay my sin debt on the cross. I know I'm forgiven and I rest in Your grace. I desire to obey You and pray that I would take all the sin in my life seriously. I trust You to transform me from the inside-out. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What do you think about the parallel between how we view games and how we view sin?
What sins in your life do you feel God is convicting you to take more seriously?
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