Where are the Trades?

As NFL fans, we get excited when teams start making trades before and during the NFL Draft. While writing this, however, all 32 teams have held onto their first-round picks. It’s somewhat surprising that there has been no movement so far, especially since several teams need significant change.

We might have breaking news any moment about a big trade taking place, or maybe we’ll have a flurry of trades on Thursday night, but since they haven’t happened yet, it leads us to wonder, why haven’t more teams been willing to trade their picks?

Will teams continue to hold on to their picks?

Will we see more trades once the Draft begins?

Are teams stubborn about not wanting to trade with specific teams, or are they wise about remaining in their current spot?

Should teams be willing to give up multiple picks to get their guy?

Do teams value anyone enough to move up?

It’s interesting because the lack of trades can mean teams are doing what is best by keeping their picks or being foolish for resisting trades or being unwilling to do what is necessary to get better. With that in mind, I believe there is a parallel in our lives regarding a lack of trades taking place.

Jesus traded His life for ours on the cross and has invited us to exchange our old lives and our former way of doing things for new lives with Him, along with a new way of thinking.

In Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) Paul writes, “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

Unfortunately, many people are stubborn and unwilling to make the trade, and instead of trading their sins for God’s freedom, grace, and mercy, people remain stuck in the same spot.

We have additional trade offers in front of us, but I wonder if we’re resisting them.

Are we willing to trade anger for peace, discontentment for gratitude, disappointment for joy, and discouragement for hope?

Are we hanging onto pride, bitterness, unforgiveness, or worry, even though they should be traded?

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) tells us, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

We are encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6-7 (AMP) to, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].”

As we trade away our worries, bitterness, and pride, we must also realize there are specific trades we must pass on.

Like NFL teams must resist bad trades, keep their draft position, and choose to hang onto their picks instead of forfeiting their future, we must do the same by keeping our love, joy, peace, hope, and patience while remaining in Christ and our soul resting in Him.

Matthew 16:26 (AMP) asks us, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Today, as we value Christ above all else, let’s willingly make the right trades and confidently pass on the wrong ones.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, reveal to me the things in my life that I need to let go of and trade away. Please help me keep love, joy, peace, hope, and patience each day and resist the temptation to trade my soul for what the world offers. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.