Reluctant Or Excited?

Every year as we prepare for our Fantasy Football drafts, we remember there are particular players like the veteran wide receiver and the steady tight end who we can almost always count on to produce.

When on the clock to draft and staring at the available players, we know the right one to pick based on how reliable and consistent he is.

However, for some odd reason, we’re hesitant to draft him. He seems like a boring pick and almost too obvious of a selection, so we try to talk ourselves out of it. But even though it isn’t a player we’re excited about, in the end, we still choose to draft him.

Yet, shouldn’t we be passionate about someone reliable and consistent?

Maybe we’re not because the Fantasy community has overlooked him and hasn’t hyped him up. Or, maybe he isn’t a “high-ceiling guy” or someone new. Instead, he’s just a steady player who has always delivered throughout his career.

Sometimes we end up passing on this type of guy because we get enticed by the rookie running back or enthralled with the player everyone is talking about. However, there are often consequences for drafting him.

Even though we’re excited on draft day when we snag the hyped-up player, we know deep down that we can’t really count on him because he carries risks.

So, what if we willingly and confidently drafted the player who has shown the most reliability and consistency instead of reluctantly drafting him, and considering him the boring choice?

When it comes to our own lives, do we view doing the right thing and making wise choices as boring, but still reluctantly do what we’re supposed to do?

When it comes to following Jesus, are we truly passionate about living our lives with Him and for Him…or are we just going through the motions and reluctantly reading the Bible and going to church?

Are we cheerful givers or do we give reluctantly or under compulsion?

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NIV tells us, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

When it comes to serving and obeying God, where has our enthusiasm gone?

Why aren’t we excited to follow Jesus who is always faithful, reliable, and steady, and never fails to deliver on His promises?

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) explains, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

Has the culture moved our eyes off of God and enticed us by hyping up other things for us to chase after?

Are we more excited about the newest TV show or technology…or dare I say, the upcoming Fantasy season?

Has our passion for God diminished and do we love what the world offers us more than we love Him?

1 John 2:15 (AMP) warns, “Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

The truth is, we may be enthralled with that new hyped “thing” everyone is talking about, but there are often consequences for pursuing it and it doesn’t satisfy like we thought it would.

Even though we’re initially excited, we know deep down that we can’t count on the things of this world because they carry many risks with them.

God on the other hand is always reliable and consistent and we can’t buy the lie that life with Him is boring. Just like in Fantasy, winning is never boring, and finding our victory in Christ and truly following Him isn’t boring!

2 Corinthians 2:14 (AMP) says, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”

So, instead of reluctantly doing the right thing and choosing Jesus’ way, we need a heart and perspective change. We can pray Psalm 51:10 (NLT), “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”

Let’s embrace the wonderful life God has for us and recognize all He’s done for us by not taking it for granted, as we also stop looking for someone else or something else to provide what only He can.

He is always the right choice, so today, let’s seek Him and serve Him with no hesitation, but rather with confidence, passion, and excitement.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for getting caught up in what the world offers as temporary satisfaction. I know You are always worthy to be trusted and continue to be faithful in my life. Please help me choose Your ways and not give in to what the culture tries to entice me with. Create in me a clean heart and help my eyes remain fixed on You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for FFF Leagues:

1. In what ways have you been reluctantly going through the motions instead of passionately following Jesus?

2. In what ways has culture and the world enticed you with the latest “hyped” thing?