UNPACK This...The Madness Of MarchSample

"Bracket Of Integrity"

In filling out our NCAA Tournament brackets, some of us complete multiple brackets with different picks while others stick with the one and only “bracket of integrity.” 

Of course, diversifying selections gives us the best chance to win, but I’m in favor of people having only one bracket. More specifically, I’m convinced we should only talk about and represent one bracket. 

When someone fills out multiple brackets, do we like hearing them brag about an upset they picked on one of their ten brackets, or listening to them tell us how one of their brackets is almost perfect, while their other five are totally wrong? 

On the other hand, if we fill out one bracket of integrity that includes our convictions for who will win, and then get them right, don't we gain more respect for that awesome upset? 

When thinking about how we represent ourselves in life, we should place a great emphasis on our integrity. We don’t want to be known as people who say one thing when it’s convenient, but allow our actions to depict something else.

The philosophy of filling out multiple brackets with various teams winning can illustrate how our opinions and convictions change based on the company we keep or the daily scenarios that surface.

But we must ask ourselves: are we a follower of Jesus pursuing integrity or somebody that likes to keep our options open and not really stick to our convictions?

The Bible says in Proverbs 10:9 (NLT), “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.” 

Ultimately, our multiple brackets will be exposed. Someone will catch us talking about Virginia winning it all one minute and then UNC the next. If we’re living one way at home and another way at school or work, eventually we won’t be able to keep up.

Today, let’s be challenged to stick to a life of integrity where our character and convictions remain consistent and rooted in God’s Word. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I don’t stick to the convictions You’ve given me. Help me be a person of integrity regardless of the situations I face each day. Please give me the strength to consistently follow You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.