The Super Bowl is almost here and I can’t wait to watch the dynamic offenses of both teams. The Chiefs, especially, have one of the most explosive and creative offenses (thanks to head coach Andy Reid and their elite players), but offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has played a crucial role in elevating them to such a high level.
So how has he done it? Domonique Foxworth wrote an article for Theundefeated.com with the headline, “The Secret to Eric Bieniemy’s Unstoppable Offense.”
He describes how Bieniemy leads with care, trust, and a little tough love. The article also reveals how important communication is to the offensive coordinator on and off the field.
Bieniemy is quoted as saying, “I’ve always been a people’s person, but I will say this: I’ve been married now going on 27 years. I learned this a very long time ago: Communication is the key to any successful relationship.”
Foxworth writes that the couple never leaves an issue undiscussed or unresolved and includes this comment made by Bieniemy: “You have to be an effective and efficient communicator because if you’re not, that’s when relationships are torn. That’s some of the things that have been destructors of NFL teams, when the communication is broken.”
This emphasis on communication seems to be working very well between Bieniemy and his star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who gives this explanation in the article: “Every time I go to the sideline, it’s the constant communication. Especially after timeouts.”
As fans, we know that the Super Bowl-winning teams have players and coaches who are on the same page, understand each other, and ultimately communicate well. They share what they see, what they need, admit when they mess up, and suggest adjustments.
Sometimes it means speaking up and sometimes it means listening, but either way, coaches and players must have an open line of communication.
Bieniemy is right when he says, “Communication is the key to any successful relationship.” Most of us have heard this and believe it’s true, but sometimes we struggle to articulate what’s really going on with us and remain closed off...or we think communication is only about us talking instead of listening.
Today, let’s evaluate how well we’re communicating in our relationships and, most importantly, how our conversations with God are going.
When we think about whether or not we're in “constant communication” with God through prayer, we need to remember what the Bible tells us:
“...be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
“Pray without ceasing...” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
“Continue steadfastly in prayer…” (Colossians 4:2).
Are we on the same page with the Lord? Are we sharing what’s on our heart, confessing, coming to Him with our needs, and listening to what He has to tell us? Are we keeping that on-going line of communication open?
Psalm 145:18-19 (NLT) reassures us that “The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them.”
Instead of trying to figure everything out on our own, we have an incredible opportunity to communicate with our loving God. He wants to lead us, but we have to be willing to hear the adjustments He wants us to make in our lives...and how He wants us to “execute the next play.”
As we watch the Chiefs and their unstoppable offense communicate on the field Sunday, let’s be reminded to pursue an unstoppable prayer life...and allow Proverbs 3:6 (NLT) to be our encouragement: “Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing my prayers and granting me the opportunity to communicate with You in a personal way. Help me listen more intently to Your voice and learn what it means to pray without ceasing. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
When it comes to communicating with God, is it harder for you to listen or to speak?
In other areas of life, what are your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to communication?
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