The discussions surrounding what to do about college football this fall continue to heat up and we’ve witnessed head coaches speak out about why their teams should play.
There seems to be an overriding sentiment that coaches believe their players are safer on campus with the protocols they've been operating under versus being back at home.
Coaches understand the physical health concerns and future risks of the virus but are pushing their school’s presidents to allow them to play because they think it’s the better option.
One of their more convincing arguments has to do with the benefits of playing on a team and going through a season together. They point to the structure, accountability, and discipline that these young athletes are provided.
When they have games to prepare for and practice to attend, they have a purpose each day. They are also around teammates and coaches that push them to get better as they strive toward the season’s goals.
The danger of canceling the season is that most of these valuable elements are removed from their lives. Although playing may have physical ramifications, the idea of them not playing causes coaches to be concerned about their players' mental and emotional health.
How will players handle the lack of structure and what will they fill their downtime with? If they are more isolated and bored and lacking the purpose that football gives them, will the negative results be worse than taking the field during the pandemic?
I think the coaches are bringing up fair questions and all of these factors must be entered into the conversation about what is the best way to proceed with the college football season.
There are multiple perspectives and opinions involved here (which we discussed yesterday), but it’s hard to argue against the importance of structure, discipline, accountability, and teamwork that football brings the players.
As followers of Jesus, those elements are also important in our own lives and if we lose any of them, we open ourselves up to danger. Without structure, discipline, accountability, and fellowship, we can easily fall into boredom, temptation, and emptiness, and our emotional, spiritual, and mental health suffer.
However, like a football team, if we have a plan and goals and understand the best way to spend our time, we'll be more effective and disciplined.
Thankfully, God provides us the structure, vision, and purpose we need to live a meaningful life. When we keep our purpose rooted in God's Word and continue to seek His will, He will guide and equip us to accomplish what matters most.
The Bible says in Ephesians 2:10 (NLT), "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 5:15-17 (AMP) gives us this challenge: “Therefore see that you walk carefully , not as the unwise, but as wise , making the very most of your time , because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.”
College football players center their time and schedule around their sport and if the season is canceled this fall, they'll more than likely feel lost and frustrated.
But as followers of Jesus, when we structure our lives around Christ and place Him at the center of everything we do, we don’t have to worry about our purpose being taken away. He'll always give us the direction we need.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) tells us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
Today, let's choose to align our hearts with Him so we find true purpose and meaning for our lives.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the purpose and meaning You give to my life. Teach me to remain disciplined as I structure my life around Your will. I pray I find fellowship and accountability to help me stay on the right path. Show me how to make the best use of my time and continue to fill it with what aligns with Your plans. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Would you define your life by structure and purpose or do you lack direction?
When you don’t have a plan for how to spend your time, do you find that you are more likely to waste it?
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