This Changes Everything

The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback, Andrew Luck, agreed to a massive contract yesterday that could pay the young star $140 million over the next six years, with a guarantee of $87 million. We know this is outrageous money, but the deal seems to make sense when considering he's the key to the Colts’ future success and has already had an impressive career. Although exciting for everyone involved, this is a huge commitment with tremendous expectations. Indy Star columnist Gregg Doyel wrote, “The money changes everything. We can say it doesn’t, but let’s not lie to ourselves – or to Andrew Luck. The money changes everything.” In his article, Doyel addresses how Luck will be viewed as moving forward because of signing this huge contract. He explains that the money will change how people address his turnovers, playoff success, leadership, and stats. From here on out, Doyel is convinced everything will be different for Andrew Luck. We all understand the role money plays in sports, and even in our own lives. I recognize its great power to change people and circumstances, but ultimately money is still limited to what it can affect. Only Jesus can change everything - including our hearts. When we genuinely receive Him as our Lord and Savior, it “changes everything.” Money can alter perspectives and portions of our lives, but Jesus transforms us from the inside out while changing our eternal destination. When we commit to following Him, our behaviors, desires, attitudes, and view of people begin to change. We are no longer who we were before having a relationship with Jesus because His love, grace, and power can “change everything.” The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 2:20 (ESV), “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” The upcoming season for Andrew Luck will definitely be different because of the new commitment he has with the Colts, but today let’s be reminded how meaningful transformation occurs. When we surrender our lives to Jesus and understand His power lives in us, it truly “changes everything.” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for me. Help me to recognize the transforming power that is found in Christ, and help me to get out of the way to allow Him to change everything. I desire to be different and more like Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.