UNPACK this...Struggling With SelfishnessSýnishorn

The Championship Pass

Villanova’s former player, Kris Jenkins, will always be a March Madness legend for hitting the buzzer-beating three-pointer to win the 2016 NCAA Championship game against North Carolina.

But his game-winning shot wouldn’t have been possible without the pass he received from his teammate, Ryan Arcidiacono. With the ball in his hands, Arch had to decide to either shoot or pass. As you may remember, he made the pass and gave up the opportunity to take the shot...allowing his teammate to be the ultimate hero. 

Ryan’s scenario is especially remarkable when you realize he was a senior, a captain, grew up rooting for ‘Nova, and probably dreamed of hitting a championship-winning shot. Yet, he followed his instincts and made the right decision "to pass" which led to Villanova becoming champions!

When it comes to our own lives, oftentimes the best decision we can make is "to pass" on something like relationships, jobs, purchases, and activities. Passing on some of these things can be hard, even when deep down we know we should. But as we follow Jesus, these decisions to pass become easier when we seek His wisdom and ask Him to lead us.

Decisions we face may have us thinking that more money is enticing, or more power is irresistible, or more attention is alluring. A temptation may even have us thinking that it’s not that bad, or nobody will know, or at least I’m not doing something else. But, these are the moments we must utilize “the pass.”

The Bible says in James 1:14-15, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”

Each day, we have the choice to give in to our selfish desires or to pass and trust that God’s way is better. God wants us to turn to Him as we make all sorts of decisions each day. If we listen, He will tell us when to pass. 

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me the discernment to know the times I need to pass. I trust that You are powerful and see the big picture. Help me to seek You as I make both big and small decisions each day. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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