UNPACK this...Life Lessons From the Super BowlSample

Have To Or Get To  

Super Bowl week officially kicks off when the two teams gather for “Opening Night.” Media members come out in full force as players and coaches answer countless questions during interviews.

With excitement in the air, players are undoubtedly thrilled about their team making it this far, but may wrestle with these perspectives as they process the reality:

• I have to deal with so many media obligations and interviews…or I get to talk to the media and fans all week long.
• I have to worry about the friends and family members who I couldn’t get Super Bowl tickets for…or I get to share this experience with my teammates and the family members who will be in the crowd.
• I have to miss out on much of the fun and prepare all week because it’s my job…or I get to play in the biggest sporting event of the year and want to be as ready as possible. 

In other words, players either view the activities during Super Bowl week as obligations...or opportunities.

As we follow Jesus, there’s a parallel thought process that we encounter. We either view our life in Christ as freeing and filled with immense opportunities…or we lean toward feeling trapped and filled with obligations such as having to obey, love, and serve.

The truth is, Jesus wants us to be free and filled with joy and excitement because of the abundant life He makes available. When we surrender and give our lives to Him, we join the family of God and become part of something very special. (Read 1 Peter 2:9-11.) 

As we rest in His freedom and understand who we really are, we shift our perspective from having to, to get to. We get to know God, get to serve Him, get to hear from Him, and get to spend eternity with Him! 

Players get to experience everything that comes along with being a member of a Super Bowl team. Let’s allow this to remind us we’re identified as members of God’s family and get to experience everything that comes along with it. 

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to be in Your family. I appreciate the wonderful life I get to have because of it. Help me understand what having my identity rooted in Christ and living in freedom means. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.