*Today’s devotional is an excerpt from The Fantasy Football Fellowship Playbook that we’ve written. You can order yours on Amazon to read the rest of the weekly Fantasy devotionals all season long.

As we prepare for our upcoming Fantasy Football season, how do we make decisions about which players to pick up, trade for, and add to our lineups?

Do we base our selections solely on the football we watched last year? Do we simply choose our favorite players from our favorite teams? How much do we factor in the opinions of Fantasy Football experts?

Heading into my 17th season playing Fantasy Football, there is no question I rely on the firsthand drafting experience I’ve gained over the years. I also take into account the limitless hours of football I watched last season.

However, to have a successful draft and Fantasy season, I listen to the experts and allow their analysis, rankings, and predictions to help me.

They won’t be right about everything or know how each player’s season will definitely play out, but they spend a lot of time researching and studying in order to share what they learn. It’s up to us as Fantasy owners to listen to the wisest and most trustworthy Fantasy experts before making our choices.

This same mentality is even more important with the daily decisions we make and the big decisions we’re forced to face throughout life. Knowing our choices can drastically change our course, we can either make them based on our own understanding and perspective…or seek out the advice of those who are wiser than us.

The book of wisdom in the Bible tells us, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15).

Proverbs 11:14 (ESV) says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

We must humble ourselves and recognize we don’t have all the answers to our dilemmas, but can greatly benefit by consulting with people who have more experience and expertise in specific areas.

In 1 Peter 5:5 (AMP), Peter writes this to the leaders of the church: “Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble.”

If we truly desire to make wise choices in life, they must be rooted in faith. Proverbs 9:10 is a good reminder: “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

If we want to remain in God’s will, we must study scripture so we have the proper view of His character and His Word. Also, listening to experienced mentors, pastors, and teachers who have a deeper understanding than we do, can provide valuable insight.

Just as we seek the knowledge of Fantasy football experts for a successful season, let’s be aware of opportunities to receive Biblical wisdom from trustworthy people.

Let’s be wise in all areas of our lives (career, marriage, and parenting), but most importantly in our pursuit of following Jesus. When we stop “choosing players” based on our own limited understanding, we can start taking advantage of the wisdom of others.

Today, let’s be challenged by the encouraging words found in Proverbs 15:22 (AMP): “Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors, they are established and succeed.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as I desire to remain in Your will, please give me the wisdom to make the right decisions in my life. Thank you for allowing me to pursue wisdom that flows from Your Word. I ask to receive wisdom from reliable experts, counselors, mentors, and advisers that You’ve placed in my life…instead of trying to figure everything out on my own. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

1. Who or what do you rely on when making decisions in life?

2. When has good advice protected you from making a bad decision?

3. What decision or issue could you presently use the advice and wisdom of others? What might prevent you from doing so?