The Consistent Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are finally heading back to the World Series! Fans everywhere seem to be excited, nervous and intrigued. When the season began, there were great expectations for this team and they have lived up to them. At the start of the playoffs, they were the favorites to win the World Series and end their 108-year championship drought. Now they are just four wins away from making that happen.  With the pressure that comes from the media and passionate fans who have high expectations, it has been crucial for the Cubs to remain consistent throughout the season. It’s cliche in sports to say “we gotta play our game,” but playing Cubs baseball day after day has been very important to them. The atmosphere changes and stakes grow higher when you go from the regular season to the playoffs, and the playoffs to the World Series, but they’ve understood the need to stay steady and not change what worked for them all year long. Manager Joe Maddon spoke about this after eliminating the Dodgers. He said, "The thing that I preached from the opening day in spring training is I want us to play the same game regardless of the date on the calendar. You should not change what you're doing regardless of the time of the year. You want to come out in the middle of October and play the same game we've been playing all summer."  I think this concept can be implemented in our own lives. As followers of Jesus, do we have the same character, the same beliefs, and the same convictions, regardless of the time of year, the people around us, or the situation at hand?  Do we change how we talk, think, or act depending on the friends we’re hanging out with or the co-workers we’re meeting with? Are we consistent with our integrity and representation of Jesus, while not allowing outside pressure to change us? We can be encouraged to remain consistent by living out the words Paul writes in Philippians 2:12 (AMP): "So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed , not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with awe-inspired fear and trembling ."

The Cubs should continue doing what got them to this point, whether they are playing at home or in Cleveland, whether it’s on a Tuesday night or a Wednesday night, and even as the pressure rises with each game.Likewise, as we begin a new week, let’s worship and follow Jesus like we did on Sunday and obey His Word regardless of the situation or any outside pressure. Let’s remain consistent and devoted to the plan He has for us. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times I allow pressure or situations to affect how I think, talk, or act. Please help me to remain consistent and secure in Your ways while I pursue obedience. Thank you for giving me the strength to do so. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.