UNPACK This...Confession Leads to Growth and HealingSample

It’s Me, I’m The Problem

Although it takes an entire team to lose football games, quarterbacks understand the significant role they play in the outcome, and those who want to serve as team leaders, own up to their mistakes when their team loses.

When Chicago quarterback, Justin Fields, threw a crucial interception late in a loss against the Denver Broncos, he confessed, “All in all, it’s my fault. It comes down to being my fault…I gotta be better for the team in that situation.”

Meanwhile, Carolina quarterback, Bryce Young, had similar comments after a critical fumble led to a Panthers loss: “That’s solely, single-handedly on me. It’s stuff we talked about. That’s no one else but me.”

I imagine it’s difficult for competitive quarterbacks to humbly admit, “It’s on me.” But by doing so, it allows them to honestly evaluate what happened, make the necessary improvements, and show their teammates accountability.

When it comes to our own lives, we also make mistakes and have a choice to either deny what we did or own it and say, “It’s on me.”

By admitting when we blow it, we can honestly evaluate what happened and make the necessary improvements, while also showing our “teammates” accountability.

James 5:16 implores us to “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Just like an NFL QB can’t pretend he’s perfect, in life, we can’t pretend we’re perfect and act self-righteous. Instead, we humbly declare our brokenness and our need for Jesus’ saving grace.

We can echo Psalm 32:5: “I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.”

Today, let’s be quick to say “my bad” and admit when we’re the problem as we rest in God’s wonderful grace.

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I am a sinner in need of grace. Every day I make mistakes, but I’m so grateful You continue to love me and forgive me for my sins. I pray that I admit when it’s my fault and be willing to be held accountable. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen