Last night at 6 PM EST, NBA Free Agency officially began allowing teams to negotiate contracts with players. We’ve already seen several players re-sign with their team or sign extensions such as Devin Booker, Ja Morant, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Nikola Jokic. Other players like Jalen Brunson, Gary Payton II, and P.J. Tucker agreed to deals on new teams. Beyond the free-agent signings that will continue to take place in the coming weeks, we will also see many trades get executed. The deals that have already been agreed to include the Spurs sending All-Star guard, Dejounte Murray, to the Hawks as well as the Wizards and Nuggets swapping role players. There are many more big trades expected to happen soon that may include Deandre Ayton, Myles Turner, and Russell Westbrook. The biggest name set to be moved is Kevin Durant after he requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, which should also mean Kyrie Irving will be dealt to another team. I can imagine teams around the league immediately began trying to figure out what kind of offers they can make to the Nets. Before teams pull the trigger on any trade, General Managers must consider what players they’re willing to part with on their rosters, and as they call each other to propose deals for a trade, they ask, “What are you willing to give up?” and “What players are you willing to let go of?” These conversations help determine the seriousness and willingness to make a trade, and the passion behind receiving a particular player. GMs understand that to receive a player they need, they have to give up something of importance or a player they’ve valued, so they can get what’s ultimately best for their team. “What are you willing to give up?” isn’t only a question for GMs, but one that we can daily ask ourselves as followers of Jesus. If we truly want to follow Him closely, we must be willing to let go of what He asks us to, so we can receive all of the many spiritual blessings He has available. Ultimately, we’ve traded our former life for the life we now have in Christ. We have to understand that to trust Him as Lord of our life, we must give up some things we once valued or viewed as important to receive what’s ultimately best for us. So, each day we must make the necessary sacrifices and surrender anything that deters us from fully experiencing and wholeheartedly enjoying Jesus and the life He’s given us. Are we willing to give up our worry for God to give us peace? Will we let go of bitterness and anger so we can receive joy? Will we sacrifice temporary selfish pleasure in order to experience abundant satisfaction in Jesus? Will we give up our love for money so we can love God with all of our hearts? Will we allow Him to replace our pain with comfort? Will we trade our worldly mindset for a heavenly one? The Bible says in Romans 12:1-2 (ESV), “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Today, let’s not hold onto the things we no longer need or hinder us from living a holy, renewed, and transformed life. Let’s choose to be living sacrifices as our response to the trade Jesus already made when He gave up His life for ours on the cross. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful that You care enough to allow me to trade my pain, selfishness, and bitterness for the spiritual blessings found in You. Please give me the strength to surrender and sacrifice for Your purposes, and help me remain in Your will. I’m so thankful to receive Jesus! In His name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is something in your life you haven't been willing to give up?
What is something you were willing to give up in the past and you're glad you did?
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