When the Best Ability is Availability

The NBA free agent frenzy has begun, and many players across the league have expired contracts and are available for teams to recruit and sign them. I’m always intrigued to hear the rumors, and I can’t wait to see where this group of free agents end up. With an increase in the salary cap, teams have more money to spend during this year’s off-season. Players available right now are taking advantage of the timing and will end up signing very hefty contracts. In many cases, free agents will not only have extra value because of their ability but actually because of their availability. It’s interesting to think about an athlete’s availability being an asset, but the same is true in our own lives. There is real value in being available since that’s the way we can invest our time in what matters most. If we never free ourselves up from work or distractions that steal our time, we miss out on being around for others. If we say our relationships are important, then we should be available - for our kids when they need us…our spouses when they want us…and our friends when they invite us to get together. The excuse of “I’m not available right now” can get old if repeated over and over again. When we follow Jesus, making ourselves available to Him is extremely important. Are we spending time with Him? Are we obeying what He’s asking us to do? Are we available to serve the people He calls us to serve? Are we making our money accessible to build His kingdom? Are we living as "free agents" with availability? The Bible says in Galatians 5:13 (NLT), “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” As followers of Jesus, let's choose to live in freedom and make our availability our best ability to serve God and others instead of ourselves.  Let’s allow Him to lead us as we become available to be used by Him. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for not always living in freedom. Help me not to be bogged down by busyness and distractions. Teach me to be more available so that I can be used by You to serve others. Convict me to say yes to the important relationships in my life, and to make sure I'm always available to spend time with You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.