As NFL teams participate in training camp and preseason throughout this month, coaches continually examine their rosters to determine how deep each position group is.

NFL teams find value in knowing they have the necessary depth at crucial positions to compete at a high level. Teams with deep rosters can withstand the inevitable injuries during the season. It’s easy to spot the weak teams that lack depth because they struggle to keep winning when injuries affect their starters.

As Fantasy Football managers, we must take the same approach to our drafts as we look to build a deep roster. If we only focus on the starters or our top picks and disregard our later selections, we won’t have the depth needed to withstand the inevitable injuries that will take place to our starters during the season.

We don’t want a shallow bench, so we must intentionally add depth to key positions like running back. Whenever we lack a deep roster, we must make the necessary adjustments.

I think valuing depth in Fantasy Football translates to other areas of life – especially as followers of Jesus. Do we have shallow or deep relationships with the people in our lives? Do we have deep friendships or only talk sports with them?

Do we stay on the surface with our neighbors and only ask them about the weather, or do we take it a step further and ask more thoughtful questions? Do we stick to “business talk” with our co-workers, or do we go deeper when given the opportunity? Are we falling more deeply in love with our spouse each day?

Our strongest desire should be to have a deep union with Jesus while constantly strengthening our love and understanding of Him. When we build our lives around Him and have a deep relationship with Him, we can withstand the inevitable “injuries” of life.

Jesus says in Luke 6:47-48 (NLT), “I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.”

Sure, having a well-built Fantasy roster with depth is nice, but more importantly, let’s build a deep life centered around Christ as our firm foundation.

Also, we must remember that God’s profound character and holiness go way beyond the surface, and as we seek Him, we can have a deeper knowledge and appreciation of His greatness.

Romans 11:33 (NASB) says, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”

Thankfully, we serve a magnificent God whose power and love are endless. As we pursue Him, let’s embrace a life with depth.

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me the desire to pursue You more and more. Help me not settle for a shallow life or view of You. Give me eyes to see the depth of Your greatness and power and a heart deeply in love with You. I pray that my other relationships will also be deep and meaningful. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.