UNPACK This...Chiefs vs. 49ers Super Bowl LIVSampl

"Simple Is Good" 

The Kansas City Chiefs were one of the best NFL teams in 2018, thanks to their MVP quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. They had a strong rushing attack with multiple running backs and arguably, Travis Kelce was the best tight end in the game.

Although they had an impressive season, their defense was one of the worst in the league. They ranked 31st in total yards and 26th in points allowed per game. As a result, head coach Andy Reid brought in defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, to coach that side of the ball.

With the defense showing serious improvement this season, they now find themselves in the Super Bowl. This makes sense when considering the article posted on TheAthletic.com with the headline, “‘Simple is Good’: Anthony Hitchens Finding Comfort in New Scheme After Complicated, Lackluster Year Under Bob Sutton.”

Hitchens, the Chiefs star linebacker said, “Simple is good for a lot of players. It’s like, ‘Okay, you have the A-gap, you’ve got the A-gap.’ Once you get it down, everyone can play fast…it lets you run free a lot.” 

Just like many coaches and players overcomplicate the game of football with cumbersome game plans, we can get overwhelmed by the intricacies of the Bible and discouraged by trying to be perfect.

Even though we’ll never fully understand every aspect of God’s Word or live up to our own unreasonable expectations, when we stay rooted in what is simple, we can humbly grow as followers of Jesus.

Solomon provides simplistic wisdom in Ecclesiastes 12:13: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

Similarly to football players playing with freedom when things are simplified, we can find tremendous freedom and joy when we allow God’s simple truths to guide our lives.

Micah 6:8 gives this straightforward encouragement: “No, He has told you what He wants, and this is all it is: to be fair, just, merciful, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Today, when life feels complicated, let’s rest in the grace we have because of the simple yet profound truth of the Gospel. Let’s remain focused on simply loving God and loving people.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me not to overcomplicate things, but desire to live with freedom and joy by simply trusting You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

For more sports and faith devotionals, visit unpackinit.com.