All-in Commitmentமாதிரி

Cheering for UNC and App State

I witnessed an epic college football game between my alma mater, Appalachian State, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Although my team fell short, it was a wonderful experience seeing a 63-61 game filled with exhilarating moments. The fourth quarter alone included 62 total points!

The electric atmosphere added to the special day, and it was so much fun being in the record-setting crowd of 40,168 fans in Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, NC.

But while sitting among the passionate fans from both teams, my eyes caught a fan who was wearing a Mountaineer hat with his Tar Heel t-shirt. Hopefully, he heard me shout, “Hey, pick a side!”

Instead of unpacking this guy who had divided loyalties, I want us to consider something more serious than a double-minded fan.

Every day you and I choose whether or not we’re going to follow, serve, and obey Jesus. It’s a daily battle to pick His side and be wholeheartedly devoted to Him, regardless of the “matchup” we find ourselves in.

But because He’s saved us and we’ve been called by our Holy and loving God to live in a way that honors Him, we must live out these encouraging words found in Joshua 24:14: “So fear the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly…”

Sometimes we’re torn because we appear to love two teams! We find ourselves “rooting for our former team” or pursuing our own desires while also claiming to love God. The reality is, we make choices every day that reveal which side we’re on and it’s disingenuous if our “hat doesn’t match our shirt.”

James 4:7-8 challenges us to “…humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”

Today when we hear, “Hey, pick a side,” let’s choose God’s side and make sure we are representing Him well.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for being double-minded. I desire to be faithful to You as I follow Your way. Thank You for Your grace when I fall short. I don’t want my loyalty to be divided, so please give me the boldness to choose You every time. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.