In a crucial attempt to prove their place in the College Football Playoff, highly ranked Louisville took on Houston last night. Before the game, ESPN writer Andrea Adelson wrote this:
“Let there be no doubt: the Cards absolutely must make a big impression with the national spotlight completely on them. They can't struggle through three quarters the way they did against Wake Forest, Virginia, and Duke. With only Kentucky left after this game, Thursday might be their final chance to make a lasting impression on the committee.”
Unfortunately for Louisville, they did not play well and lost to Houston 36-10 on ESPN. Now their chances at making the Playoff have more than likely vanished.
The kind of pressure Louisville had on them last night can't be easy for a college football player. It's got to be very difficult when the spotlight is shining on you to play well and make an impression, and when you know people are “tuning in” to watch and discover if you're the real deal.
I think we find ourselves in a similar situation as followers of Jesus. We continually have opportunities to make a positive impression on people by representing Jesus well. The spotlight is put on us when we acknowledge who we are in Christ.
At the same time, His light should shine through us so that others can see we are different because of Him. Although difficult at times, God equips us and strengthens us to honor Him as we are called to do.
The world is looking for authentic followers of Jesus - not perfect people, but those who genuinely love God and love people. When they “tune in” to watch and discover if we’re the real deal, how do we respond? Do they see Jesus in us? The Bible says in Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT), "So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."
We know only Jesus lived the perfect life. But as we yield to Him and desire to do God’s will, we can live a life that makes the most of every opportunity we are given.
When the “spotlight” is on us, let's be wise, prepared, and loving. Let's make a lasting impression on those who are watching...while ultimately pointing them to Jesus. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I rest in Your grace because of Jesus, but I want to take seriously the opportunities you give me to make a positive impression on others. Not for my glory, but for Yours. I pray You would shine through me when the spotlight is put on me. I pray others would see You in me and be drawn to You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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