UNPACK this...HumilitySample

Anyone Can Lose at Any Time

Anyone can lose at any time throughout the NCAA Tournament. That’s the story of March Madness. No team can be casual with their opponent or think they’re unbeatable.

Even veteran teams leading the way or teams with past tournament success need to be ready to face a tough game at all times. They can’t be overconfident or lose focus.

The reality that anyone can lose at any time during March Madness isn’t much different from the struggle we encounter each day with sin and temptation.

The Bible warns us in 1 Peter 5:8 to “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Hopefully, we are following Jesus and can point to an “impressive regular season” of obedience. But even with our “previous tournament success” or years of experience walking with the Lord, we can still give in to temptation and lose at any time.

James 1:14 says, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”

Jesus encourages Peter in Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

God gives His Spirit to lead and guide us, and by humbly yielding to Him we are strengthened to overcome temptation. Just like the tournament’s top seeds need to be ready to overcome every tough game, we must be prepared to face our spiritual battles.

Similarly to how teams can’t be overconfident or lose focus if they want to stay on the path toward the Championship, we must take sin seriously. With a spirit of humility, we must fully rely on Jesus to help us avoid temptation.

Today, as we accept our limitations for perfection and rest in the grace of Jesus, let’s continually position ourselves to win against sin.

As Romans 13:14 tells us, “Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know I’m weak and capable of falling, but I trust You for strength when I face temptation. Help me find a way to win and never take my opponent lightly. I pray for humility and focus as I rest in Your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.