What Motivates You?

The Denver Broncos currently hold the title of Superbowl Champions. Last night they played, and defeated, the the quarterback they expected to start for them this year, Brock Osweiler.

Osweiler started last season as the backup to Peyton Manning. He started 7 games for the Broncos when Manning was injured, but was benched during the final game of the regular season and watched Manning start all the playoff games on the way to winning the Superbowl.

Much to everyone's surprise, even after Manning retired and the Denver starting QB job all his, Osweiler decided to sign with the Houston Texans. As he walked out the door he provided this explanation,

"I'm very thankful, I'm very appreciative for everything that the Denver Broncos organization has done for me,” he said. “However, in saying that, at this point in time in my career, I feel like the Houston Texans give me the best opportunity to be successful."  [Read more here.]

After last night's game the Texans fall behind the Broncos with 4 wins compared to 5. Did Osweiler make the right decision? It depends on what motivates him. The Texans paid him more money. Osweiler has stated that this was the best decision for his family. Others have suggested that Osweiler was offended after he was benched for the playoffs.

Superbowl rings, money, or family, how do they factor into his decision making process? How much weight does each factor receive?

This ESPN article suggests that Osweiler should have stayed in Denver, and provides this commentary about motivation,

"We all know that happiness and prosperity in life, even in pro football, are often defined by things that have nothing to do with dollars and cents. Take championship rings, for instance. How much money do you think Dan Marino would give back if it meant adding a Super Bowl title to his otherwise staggering legacy?"

As Christians we can harbour numerous motivations for retaining and living out our faith. The fear of eternal punishment for our sins is a common motivating factor. Others may be motivated to follow Jesus because of the example of people they know and respect. In an ideal world people would commit to Jesus simply because they love him: a loving response to a loving God.

The writer of the book of Hebrews explains how joy provided Jesus' motivation to endure the cross,

Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor. [Hebrews 12:2 VOICE]

You and I are part of that joy. Jesus didn't want to suffer on the cross so that he could sit on a throne. He already sat on a throne before he came to earth. The joy that motivated Jesus involved spending eternity with the people he loved, the people he died to save. Jesus' life-purpose was found outside himself. He lived for the benefit of those around him.

As imitators of Jesus we need to examine our own motivations. Why am I a Christian? Is it all about me? Is it all about God? Do I really care for my neighbours? Or do I just care for them because if I don't I'll be breaking the command to "love my neighbours"?

What are your Top 4 reasons for following Jesus?

For a different perspective on the same topic, try THIS ARTICLE.

How to Lose the Superbowl

Given the title I'm resisting the very strong temptation to simply write, "Have Peyton Manning as your QB". But that would put Manning in Buffalo Bills territory and that would be unfair since he does have one of those big, shiny rings in his trophy room.

But let me say this about the Superbowl. "WOW, THAT WAS CRAZY!!!!" Did anyone see that coming? From the first snap Denver looked like they were still in a different time zone! The image of the ball sailing past Manning's head to start the game is one that will stick with me for a long time.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a Colts fan, that means I'm a Manning fan, and that means that on Sunday I was a Denver fan. He seems to be a man of tremendous character, and with a very dry sense of humour that I like. He has richly deserved all the league MVP's that he's won. His comeback from neck injury and a year out of the game is remarkable.

The Superbowl loss was certainly not all about Manning. Defense and special teams also had games to forget. The Broncos never gave a hint that they were going to compete in this game. It was extremely disappointing. Before the game Denver was actually the favourite, but they played like they wanted to win first pick in the draft!! This was the largest Superbowl blowout in 20+ years!

So, "How to lose the Superbowl?"

1. Miss tackles. 
2. Give the opponent points on the first play of the game.
3. Miss tackles... and blocks.
4. Let the opposition pressure the QB and tip passes.
5. Miss tackles.
6. Throw more interceptions than touchdowns.
7. Did I mention, Miss tackles.

But there's another way to lose the Superbowl that Manning also aced. If you're going to lose, lose with grace. Did you catch this story, about Manning making the effort to come back and sign an autograph for a beer vendor and others at a time he surely just wanted to be alone. Or did you hear about how Richard Sherman, villain to Manning's halo in this game, described Peyton checking with him post game to see how serious the injury was?

If you're going to lose, that's how you lose a Superbowl. With your integrity intact.

In 2 Corinthians 8:2 Paul gives this description of some churches he'd visited, "Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts." (Message)

These churches found themselves with their backs against the wall, yet they didn't dwell on their own circumstances. Even in the middle of personal trial they wanted to serve and help others. It's easy to love our neighbours after we win our personal Superbowls, or life is breezy. Loving our neighbours when our circumstances suck requires a lot a character. Some people can do it because of their personality, most of us require the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives to truly love others while dealing with our own personal hurt.

So thank you Peyton Manning. Not for losing, but for losing with grace.

Related Links:

• A friend shared a similar blog post HERE.