Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, is one of the most highly regarded assistant coaches in the NFL. Over the last three seasons, he’s developed and built a stout defense that is expected to be even better in 2021.
Not only do they have depth and talented players, but Eberflus has implemented a simple yet effective philosophy that he communicates clearly to the players when they join the team and constantly reaffirms it.
“It’s the H.I.T.S. principle and we talk about it every single day,” says Eberflus.
The acronym stands for:
H: Hustle
I: Intensity
T: Taking the ball away
S: Situationally smart
It seems to really resonate with the players and reminds them what makes a strong defense.
Today I want to unpack how this acronym can also be an effective way for us to defend against sin.
Just like a football player has to HUSTLE and act quickly when the play begins, we too must respond similarly when temptations begin and sin presents itself.
The Bible encourages us to HUSTLE (run) in the following verses :
2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT) - “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace...”
1 Corinthians 10:14 (AMP) - “Therefore, my beloved, run from idolatry .”
1 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT) - “Run from sexual sin!...”
A football player needs to be INTENSE, fierce, serious, and passionate during every play. Similarly, in defending against the enemy and the pull of sin, we have to do so with INTENSITY.
Colossians 3:5 (AMP) explains, “So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry .”
While an NFL defense is doing whatever they can to TAKE THE BALL AWAY and remove an opportunity for the offense to score, likewise, we must be diligent in TAKING AWAY any opportunity for the devil to “move down the field” on us. We need to remove our anger and anything else that gives him a chance to wreak havoc against us.
Ephesians 4:27 (AMP) gives us this encouragement: “And do not give the devil an opportunity .”
Finally, the top NFL defenses are SITUATIONALLY SMART and have an impressive understanding of what the offense is trying to do, as well as, knowledge on how best to respond in key moments.
In our own lives, the closer we follow Jesus, seek God’s will, study His Word, and listen to His Spirit, the more we gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. We become SITUATIONALLY SMART and able to discern the best way to handle tempting situations.
We can echo Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9-10 (NLT): “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return."
Let’s continue to pursue having an elite defense against sin as we rely on God’s power and grace. Today, let’s implement the H.I.T.S. principle by demonstrating HUSTLE and INTENSITY while TAKING OPPORTUNITIES AWAY and remaining SITUATIONALLY SMART.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to take Your Word seriously and understand how important it is to defend against sin. Please give me the strength and power I need to daily run away from sin, and hustle toward You with intensity, so I don’t give the enemy any opportunities. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What letter in the H.I.T.S. acronym resonates with you the most?
In what other ways have you built your defense against sin?
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