The Inactive QB

In the upcoming NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles have one of the most intriguing quarterback situations. They have returning starter, Sam Bradford; high-priced backup, Chase Daniel; and 2nd overall draft pick, Carson Wentz. Of course, all three quarterbacks want to play and get their opportunity to start, but most likely only two of them will be suited up and available for games. Jimmy Kempski, of Philly Voice, reports that there’s a very good chance Wentz won’t be active on game days. This means that one of the top draft picks would be in street clothes holding a “clipboard” from the sidelines, instead of out on the field as an active contributor for the Eagles. When it comes to rookie quarterbacks, you can make the case that it is wise to be patient and wait before playing the young draft pick. However, I can imagine that being inactive and not participating on Sundays, after practicing all week long, will be very difficult for Wentz. Unfortunately, I find the opposite is true when it comes to being active in our faith. We can be strong participants on Sunday at church, but then become inactive the rest of the week when caught up with the busyness of work and life. The last thing an NFL QB wants to be is inactive, and we should have a similar mentality as followers of Jesus. We should desire to be active in our prayer life, Bible reading, sharing our faith, pursuing God’s will, and loving others. We should want to get off the sidelines and not sit back watching others do what we are also designed and called to do. Instead of only listening to sermons and reading the Bible, we should aspire to actively implement all that we learn. The Bible says in James 1:22 (ESV), “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” The Message version of James 1:22-24 says this: “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.” If we truly desire to be followers of Jesus, we must put the “clipboard” down and actively pursue Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength…and seriously “act on what we hear” Him telling us to do. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’m inactive in my pursuit of following Jesus. Please give me the strength to actively seek You with everything I have, so I can accomplish Your will for my life. Please enhance my desire to actively pray, read your Word, and live out what I hear You saying to me. Thank you for the way You actively love me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.