Who's in Your Backfield? By Luke Heaton

Earlier today, the Houston Texans traded for Cleveland Browns running back, Duke Johnson. Houston will be sending a fourth-round pick, which could turn into a third-round pick if Johnson is active for ten games this season. This is a win-win trade for both teams. Cleveland was able to get highly sought after mid-round value for Johnson (who was unhappy with the franchise due to his lack of opportunity behind the other talented running backs), and Houston now adds a complimentary piece to their backfield that features veteran, Lamar Miller. More specifically for Houston, this trade is unlikely to result in a negative outcome. Prior to today, the Texans had no proven talent behind Lamar Miller after parting ways with D’Onta Foreman this past week. Now, the Texans employ a Swiss army knife running back in Duke Johnson who produces both in the running game and in catching the ball out of the backfield. Lamar Miller, two years removed from eclipsing his most recent 1000-yard rushing mark, benefits greatly from the Duke Johnson addition as he no longer has to carry the position alone. Duke Johnson adds another dynamic that defenses have to defend against (especially on third down) and is capable of filling in for Miller if injured. The Texans already had one of the most talented offenses in regards to skill positions, but now the backfield has a safety net. The comparison I’d like to unpack today begins by taking a look at how the backfields in our own lives appear. Are we alone and carrying the weight of production all by ourselves...or do we have help? The writer of Ecclesiastes writes about this idea in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (NIV). The writer ends with this thought in verse 12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (NIV). The context of this passage of scripture revolves around the vanity of accumulating wealth through the lens of rational selfishness - especially if the result is isolation. However, the wisdom communicated is not confined to the context of wealth but can be applied as a general proverb. There is true power in inviting other God-fearing men and women to actively walk with us in our relationship with Jesus. Welcoming and seeking additions to our backfield is wise. This allows for people with different skill sets to be of help and speak truth in difficult seasons of life. If you’re anything like me, it's far too easy to isolate yourself. There is a sense of control and comfort when we are the only ones in our backfield. However, this kind of control and comfort are fleeting and foolish. Inviting other people to walk alongside us in our relationship with Jesus can be uncomfortable at times, but this is because it helps mold us. Change can be awkward and uncomfortable, but certainly well worth it. When we're isolated, we often remain idle. Idleness is deceivingly comfortable, and it leaves us more available for attacks from Satan. It’s far easier to attack something that isn’t moving than something that is running with others toward ultimate safety. So, as we look to grow in our relationship with Jesus, let’s make sure to add to our backfield and reject the deception of isolation. I’m Luke Heaton and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Lord Jesus, grow in me a desire to follow You, and give me the courage and willingness to invite people to walk alongside me. Help me see the fruit of involving others in my life who love You, and help me reject the temptation to isolate myself. In Jesus Name, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS: 1. What people are actively involved in your relationship with Jesus? 2. What is an example of how isolation led to sin?