I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speeches on Saturday night. I liked hearing the stories from these legendary guys, and was especially entertained by the record-setting 36-minute speech of Brett Favre!
As a unique player with a captivating personality, I appreciated what Favre shared during his time on stage, and think these words in particular sum up his career:
"Did we win every game? No. Did I make mistakes? More than I can count. But there was never one time I didn't give it all I had.”
Favre was known for his free-spirit on the field and his willingness to take risks and make unconventional plays. Although he threw his fair share of interceptions, fans knew how much he loved the game and that he gave it his all.
I think we can identify with Favre's career as we look at our own pursuit of following Jesus. I love the term grace-driven effort because it describes how we give everything we have to God, but still make mistakes...have some turnovers...and lose a few games along the way.
Thankfully, because of the work of Jesus, we can rest in His grace when we do fall and acknowledge our salvation isn’t dependent on our great effort. As we respond with "Hall of Fame" effort to His wonderful grace and salvation, we should keep in mind these verses from 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NLT): "...make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone." Brett Favre had a long and distinguished football career, and although he played hard and put forth tremendous effort, he made plenty of mistakes along the way. As we begin this week, let’s give all we have while pursuing Jesus. With grace-driven effort, let's remember we’re forgiven and loved, despite the mistakes we’re sure to make. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful that my salvation is not based on my efforts or accomplishments, but the work of Jesus on the cross. In view of that, please give me the strength to give all I have to You as I pursue a life that is honoring and obedient. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Comments