The Steelers Were "Over-Aggressive"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an explosive offense with two of the best weapons in the league, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. This pair of aggressive players are a threat to score every time they touch the ball. Last Sunday, led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the offense had a great day and knocked off the Miami Dolphins 30-12. However, with4:34 left in their playoff game, Roethlisberger injured his right foot on a passing play.

The conversation surrounding his injury has centered around whether or not he should have even been in the game at that point, considering they had a significant lead and not much time left in the game.

Beyond that, there are questions as to why the Steelers were attempting to throw the ball, and why they would put their quarterback in a potential position to get injured.

Head coach, Mike Tomlin, took the blame for the play call that led to the foot injury by saying, "I got a little over-aggressive there."

I love a high-powered offense and a coach’s willingness to go for it and not let off the gas, but there does come a point where being “over-aggressive” can be costly and unwise.

As followers of Jesus, we should represent a certain level of aggressiveness and willingness to go for it when it comes to sharing the love of God with others. I’m convinced we should claim Romans1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”

Having the boldness to tell others how God has transformed our lives, and being unashamed in doing so, is important. But if we aren’t relying on God for discernment to know when and how to approach people, we can find ourselves forcing our faith on people or being “over-aggressive.” We must prayerfully consider the right time and place, and then be obedient. We want to be ready when God leads us to go for it and share the Good News, while at the same time avoid coming across the wrong way.

The Bible says in Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT), "Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone."

Today, let’s be bold, wise, and unashamed as we attract others to Jesus...without being “over-aggressive.”  I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire for others to experience the wonderful grace You’ve shown me in my own life. I pray that I will navigate the conversations I have with others with a level of wisdom and boldness without pushing them away. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.