I still consider Packers’ quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, to be a top player in the NFL, despite the recent struggles surrounding him and the team. They have lost three out of their last four games and are just 4-5 in their last nine home games (including last season) at the amazing Lambeau Field.
This past Sunday, they lost to the Indianapolis Colts 31-26 in front of their home crowd, so the pressure is heating up even more with their 4-4 record and sitting behind the Lions and Vikings in the NFC North standings.
Aaron Rodgers made these strong comments about himself and his teammates following the loss:
"I love this game and I bring energy. I’m not a rah-rah guy, but I’m a focused, enthusiastic player, and I don’t know what the lack of juice was. You kind of felt it over the entire sideline. We didn’t have the same kind of enthusiasm and encouragement that we had the previous two weeks. So we’ve got to look deep in the mirror there, because that’s just not acceptable.”
It’s interesting when you think about how important the energy level is for a team to have success in the NFL. A team struggles when the sideline is filled with players who are down, quiet, concerned, and lacking enthusiasm.
Just going through the motions doesn’t take a team very far. To stay motivated and energized, and to keep fighting for the win, guys must remain enthusiastic about the job they must accomplish together. I think Rodgers is right to challenge his team to look in the mirror and consider why they’ve lost their enthusiasm.
Energy and excitement aren’t only crucial on the football field, but also in our own lives. I think it’s valuable to evaluate the type of enthusiasm and encouragement we show toward our family, our jobs, our friends, and most importantly our faith in Jesus.
Do we wake up each day with a true passion to love God and love people with a genuine enthusiasm, or are we just going through the motions? If someone looked over at our “sideline” what would they see?
The Bible says very simply in Romans 12:11 (NLT), “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”
Aaron Rodgers recognizes his team’s major issue and said “it’s just not acceptable.” These athletes make millions of dollars to play a sport each week on the highest level, so it’s fair to expect them to be enthusiastic and energized!
As followers of Jesus, we’ve been given new life, a transformed heart, and grace from the God of the universe. Isn’t it fair to expect we live each day with an extreme enthusiasm and energy to serve Him?!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the days I wake up with a lack of passion for You and for when I just go through the motions. I know that energy and enthusiasm are rooted in You, so please help me to stay focused on who You are and what You’ve done. I’m so grateful for the new life You’ve given me and I pray that others would see me as an energized follower of You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Check out more from Bryce Johnson on sports, faith, and life at Unpackin’It
