UNPACK this...Leading a Disciplined LifeПримерок

Tuning Out The Coach When NFL teams have losing records halfway through the season, they’re probably looking for answers and feeling desperate to turn it around quickly. But despite there being an undeniable disconnect, it’s often difficult to place the proper blame between coaches, players, and management when teams are underachieving. Although, as fans, we seem to have our own theories as to why something is off with our team, an important question is if the players are still listening to their coach in the locker room…or have they tuned him out? The coach provides vision, strategy, wisdom, and inspiration, but if players aren’t hearing his message and disregarding what is being said, it’s hard for a team to experience success. As followers of Jesus, we need to be listening to our Coach, as well. By hearing the voice of God instead of tuning Him out or disregarding what He’s trying to tell us, we can receive His vision, strategy, wisdom, and inspiration through His Word and the Holy Spirit. John 14:23-26 tells us, “Jesus replied, ‘All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make Our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love Me will not obey Me. And remember, My words are not My own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.’” When we choose to listen to God’s voice and respond obediently to what He’s telling us, we can be assured He sees the bigger picture and has our best interest in mind. Rather than tuning Him out as NFL players sometimes do with their coach’s locker room message, let’s be encouraged to stick to God’s plan…listen closely…and respond faithfully. I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know You’re good and faithful and desire to speak truth into my life. Help me to listen closely and not disregard Your promptings. I pray I would trust Your Word and obey because Your way is much better than mine. Thank you for Your willingness to speak to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.