At the end of an NFL season, I look forward to hearing what coaches and players say during their final press conferences. Some coaches and players are more transparent than others, but it’s always a crazy dynamic when they face the media after a tough season and offer up honesty about what took place throughout the year.
As fans, we can’t wait to hear the emotional, controversial, and hard to admit comments made when asked difficult questions by reporters. In some ways, whether realized or not, we actually listen to their remarks to determine if we will forgive them for the losses or for missing the playoffs. We want to hear if they admit to making mistakes, or if they make excuses and shift the blame.
In reality, a press conference becomes a time of confession for players and coaches to come clean with what took place during the season. It’s their opportunity to get what they want “off their chest.”
It’s hard for coaches and players to go before the media and fans and admit they failed and didn’t do what they were supposed to do. Similarly, as followers of Jesus, it can be challenging to go before the Lord and acknowledge that we disobeyed and let Him down in some way.
However, this process of confession and repentance is key in remaining close to God. Although we are going to have bad days when we blow it in one way or another, it’s crucial that we lean into Jesus for forgiveness. He’s always waiting with open arms, grace, and love.
When we are aware of our sin, and transparent in our confession, Jesus will do His work in us. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9 (ESV), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Proverbs 28:13 (NLT) also confirms this: “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
When players and coaches approach the media, their comments or confessions may not be well received, and they risk a potential backlash or media firestorm. Thankfully, when we enter our alone time with God, we can be confident that He will listen, forgive, and restore us.
It says in Hebrews 4:16 (NLT), “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
We serve a loving and grace-filled God who desires for us to confess and turn away from our sins. Let’s embrace this practice and trust Him for strength, so we can live a life pleasing and honoring to Him.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit it’s hard to come before You each day in humble admission of my sins, but I pray that confession and repentance would be a normal part of my life as I follow Jesus. Please make me aware of the sins that I commit, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I’m deeply grateful for the grace and mercy You show me through Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen.
Check out more from radio host Bryce Johnson as he discusses sports, faith, and life at Unpackin’It and follow him on twitter @BRYCERADIO
