UNPACK This...The Pursuit of Spiritual Maturityமாதிரி

Roethlisberger Calls Out Team

During the 2016 NFL regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves in an unfamiliar four-game losing streak with the final loss (35-30) against the Dallas Cowboys.

Frustrated by his team’s poor performance, Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, made this comment following the Cowboys game: “We are undisciplined and not accountable. That’s why [the Cowboys] are one of the best in the business and we’re not right now.”

Roethlisberger had a big game against Dallas, throwing for 408 yards and three touchdowns, but his concerns about his teammates and coaches revealed their losing streak was a result of two key areas needing improvement: discipline and accountability.

These are two important areas of focus not only for a great football team but also for followers of Jesus. If a team or an individual lacks discipline, they are missing the order and control required to prevent sloppiness and laziness.

As we pursue Jesus, we want to remain obedient and self-disciplined instead of wayward and unrestrained.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control…”

Proverbs 12:1 provides this wisdom: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”

Understandably, Ben Roethlisberger would combine “undisciplined” and “not accountable” in his assessment of the team because accountability improves the chances of remaining disciplined.

As followers of Jesus, it’s important to have the desire to be faithful and accountable to others. James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

A successful NFL team is disciplined and accountable, and similarly, we grow in spiritual maturity when we place a value on discipline and accountability.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit that sometimes my life seems out of control and I lack discipline. I pray that I would trust You for the strength to remain diligent while relying on others to hold me accountable. Thank you for Your grace and Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

For more sports and faith devotionals, visit unpackinit.com.