UNPACK This...Overcoming TemptationSample

The Pass

Kris Jenkins will forever be a March Madness legend due to his game-winning shot for Villanova during the 2016 NCAA Tournament Championship game against the North Carolina Tar Heels. But, as college basketball fans, it is important that we also give credit to Villanova guard, Ryan Arcidiacono, for making the pass to Jenkins.

With the ball in his hands, "Arch" had to make the decision to either shoot or pass. As we all know, he made the pass, giving up the opportunity to take the shot and allowing his teammate to become the ultimate hero.

Ryan’s scenario is especially remarkable when you realize he was a senior, a captain who grew up rooting for ‘Nova, and he had probably always dreamed of hitting a championship-winning shot. Even so, he followed his instincts and his selfless decision led to Villanova becoming the champion.

When it comes to our own lives, we make decisions to pass on friendships, jobs, houses, and other kinds of opportunities. Passing on some can be hard, even when deep down we know we should. But as we follow Jesus, those 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, 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, and if we listen, He’ll tell us when to pass. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me discernment to know the times in my life when I need to pass. I trust 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.