As we head into the final weeks of the NFL season, each team still has something to play for and a purpose to keep going.
Teams like the Broncos, Colts, 49ers, and Eagles are fighting to earn a Wild Card spot. Teams like the Patriots, Packers, and Bucs are playing for home-field advantage.
There are a few teams (Giants, Lions, and Texans) that won't be going to the playoffs, so players will choose whether or not to compete to finish the season strong and help their head coach keep his job.
The Ravens, Steelers, Browns, and Bengals are all still playing to win the AFC North Division, while the Cardinals and Rams are attempting to win the NFC West.
Unfortunately, teams like the Bears, Panthers, and Raiders have had a bad season, but it’s important that players still play hard to prove they should keep their jobs for next year.
As we look across the league, teams clearly have a purpose in playing. If they stay focused the rest of the way, they can end the season on a positive note and find reasons to still run out on the field each week.
In our own lives, there's a great advantage to knowing what we’re here for and what purpose we have while living on this earth. Are we just living for a paycheck…or retirement…or accolades…or survival?
As followers of Jesus, God has given us an enormous purpose for our lives. Because we're designed and called to live for Him, we must choose to pursue His ways and plans instead of our own.
Matthew 6:33 (NLT) tells us to, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."
The more we concentrate on living for what (and Who) matters and pursue Him as our first priority, He'll enable us to accomplish worthwhile things, experience meaning, and find true fulfillment.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Unfortunately, we easily get caught up in living for the wrong things, instead of recognizing the valuable impact we can have for God. Ultimately, we can significantly thrive in life when we intimately know God, make His name great, and point others to Him.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) encourages us with these words: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Sometimes we struggle to know our specific calling or purpose during different seasons of life, but even as we seek Him during those times of discovery, we can remain faithful in serving and honoring Him.
As the writer of Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NLT) explains, “...Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”
Today, let's ask ourselves what we're living for? As we look across Scripture we realize we were created for God’s glory and purposes.
When we stay focused on Him throughout the rest of our lives, we'll finish strong and find reasons to "keep running on the field each week" because we’re doing it all for Him and with Him.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I'd choose to live for You each day because I know that’s the best way. Help me not to get caught up in pursuing my own way, but seek Your purposes for my life. Thank you for allowing me to bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What or who did you live for this year?
What changes need to be made to really live for God each day?
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