Unpack This...Playing In The Super BowlSample

Playing With The Lead

Letting a 28-3 lead slip away, the Atlanta Falcons lost to the New England Patriots 34-28 in Super Bowl LI.

Maybe the Falcons played too stiff and were afraid of messing up…or became complacent with their big lead and got sloppy. Or perhaps they weren’t willing to adjust, so ended up being stubborn and foolish.

Whatever the case, the Falcons didn’t understand how to play with the lead and finish strong…and let their opponent back in the game.

As followers of Jesus, we know what it’s like “playing with the lead.” When we receive Him as our Lord and Savior, we’re given eternal life and covered in God’s grace. Although this incredible gift allows us to victoriously “play with the lead,” we must finish this life strong.

Colossians 2:6 tells us, “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.”

God’s grace doesn’t give us an excuse to sin or let our guard down. Rather, it ignites a desire to keep growing, persevering, and obeying. We don’t want to take “the lead” for granted by living foolishly and stubbornly and complacently letting our opponent “back in the game.”

Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

We also shouldn’t be so concerned about “turnovers” or tripping up that we become too rigid, legalistic, or prideful and miss out on the freedom of experiencing Christ and the fullness of life He gives us.

Galatians 5:1 explains, “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

The abundant life is found in Christ now and for eternity. As we get to “play with the lead” each day, let’s be mindful to rely on Him to fill us with His power, joy, and peace so we can finish strong and keep the lead He graciously gives us.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the abundant life found in Jesus. I pray that I would rest in Your grace and favor, and strongly finish my life in this world. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

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