As Fantasy Football owners, we spend all summer preparing for our draft and figuring out which players we want to select. We consider the rookies joining new teams and how quickly they have a chance to contribute, as well as, which players will have the biggest impact after signing with a different franchise in free agency.

We take a look at the players with the best potential for a breakout season, so we can determine which round they should be drafted, and also make sure to cross guys off our list if they’re overvalued and have the potential for a disappointing season.

All of this research and the different thought processes involved are centered around the Fantasy draft and the team we assemble to start the season. Emphasis should be placed on this day, as making the right decisions determines the success of our team’s upcoming year.

However, Fantasy Football doesn’t end once draft day is over. It’s only the beginning of a season filled with roster management, lineup decisions, dropping and adding, trades, and keeping up with NFL news and notes. All of these elements are ongoing throughout the Fantasy Football season.

With that in mind, the most important day in “real life” is the one when we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The moment we decide to surrender and invite Jesus to take over and forgive us of our sins is the day that should be completely and unquestionably emphasized.

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NLT), “I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.”

This is the good news available to us! When we place our faith in Jesus’ work on the cross and receive His grace, we become a child of God for all of eternity.

The day our hearts are changed is a monumental day. We’re saved because of Jesus, not because of anything we do. We don’t earn salvation based on our works, but our attitudes and desires are transformed when we choose to faithfully follow Him.

Just like Fantasy owners don’t stop on draft day, but continue throughout the season, we step into an on-going life with Christ after the day of our salvation.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) says, “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

The day we surrender is the starting point of a life of faith that includes growth, maturity, and a deeper understanding of God and His Word.

Just like Fantasy owners are asked to take care of lineups and make necessary changes each week, we’re called to a life that is honoring and glorifying to Him.

As we daily take steps of obedience to do what God asks of us, let’s rest in His grace and rely on His strength to enable us to handle all of the challenges we face.

Let’s cling to this prayer Paul wrote in his letter to the Colossian church:

“…We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better” (Colossians 1:9-10; NLT).

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for saving my life and showing me grace. I’m grateful for the eternal life I now have because of Jesus. I pray I would continue to grow and obey as I seek to know You better. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

1. If you have committed your life to follow Jesus, what do you remember about the day you were saved?

2. Why is it important to continue to grow in your faith and understanding?

3. What area of your life have you seen the most growth and maturity since that day?

4. What areas of your life do you still need to grow and mature?