As you’ve probably heard, the NFL owners and NFL Players’ Association have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement that would alter the length of the season and the revenue split between the two sides.
Players have been speaking out on the proposed deal and there have been mixed feelings about adding a 17th game and more playoff games.
There is uncertainty as to whether or not the players will agree to the terms soon or if they’ll go back to the negation table and delay a resolution.
Ross Tucker, a former journeyman offensive lineman, who is now an analyst and writer for The Athletic, has an article out with the headline, “Why NFL Players Should Vote Yes on Owners’ CBA Proposal.”
In the article, he writes, “NFL players are going to vote soon on a proposed CBA, and their vote should unequivocally be yes. Whatever the players opposed to the proposed CBA think they might be able to get by negotiating again next offseason or by striking in 2021 is, in my opinion, not worth what they would miss out on this season and the potential negative ramifications to the upcoming TV deals.”
Tucker also includes this comment by Giants’ player rep, Nate Solder, told to NBC Sports’ Peter King: “I’ve asked at least 15 guys on our team, mostly minimum salary guys or close to that, ‘If you were able to make more money and get better benefits in exchange for a 17th game, would you do it?’ and everyone said yes.”
Interestingly, some of the higher paid players like JJ Watt, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers oppose the deal and appear unwilling to agree to the terms - even though the majority of other players have so much to gain.
Although there’s a cost to the players' health and a sacrifice they must make by playing in extra games, the new deal appears to be worth it.
Regardless of what the players decide or which side we should be on as fans, I think we can glean something from this situation that parallels our own lives.
When considering accepting the free gift of salvation from God through Jesus (to make Him our Lord and Savior and follow Him each day), there are sacrifices, benefits, ramifications, and costs associated with this agreement.
When we agree with God that we are sinners in need of forgiveness...commit to repentance...surrender our lives to Jesus... and no longer live for ourselves, then we exchange our plans, desires, and power for His. We give up going our own way in order to follow His way.
Some of us don't want to agree to this because we like our life of sin and selfishness. We are comfortable with the status quo and even though it’s a great offer on the table, we aren’t willing to commit.
However, by putting off the decision to follow Jesus, there are ramifications both now and for eternity. There is so much we miss out on by not saying yes.
There are many benefits and blessings that come when we agree to live for and with Jesus. We gain freedom, heaven, joy, peace, satisfaction, and power.
His offer is free, yet costly. We don’t’ have to do anything to earn His grace, but it does cost us to be a disciple.
Jesus gives the example of counting the cost before building a tower and going to war. He says in Luke 14:33 (NIV), "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be My disciples.”
When it comes to the CBA and NFL players agreeing to the deal, there are some players willing to sacrifice because they see the value of what they’re gaining outweighs what they’re losing. But, it’s the wealthiest players who are having the toughest time with the decision.
Similarly, Jesus spoke about how hard it is for those who love money to take the step of faith and give up everything that is required.
In Mark 10:23-25 (NLT), "Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, 'How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! This amazed them. But Jesus said again, 'Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!'”
Today, are we confidently and unequivocally saying "yes" to following Jesus - regardless of what He asks us to give up or sacrifice? Or are we delaying our commitment to the “deal” and the “exchange”?
Are we allowing our comfort, money, status, or some other hangup to get in the way of fully surrendering to the life Jesus is offering us? If so, it’s time we stop negotiating and just go all-in!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You give me the strength and willingness I need to surrender everything to You. Help me be open to whatever You ask me to do and stop holding back. Instead, I want to make any necessary sacrifice, so I can gain everything that’s available in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is holding you back from fully embracing Jesus’ invitation to follow Him?
What do you have the hardest time sacrificing or giving up in exchange for a total surrender?
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