"When a good thing becomes an ultimate thing, it becomes a destructive thing!"

It's so easy for us as men to pursue identity in external things. The enemy loves to deceive men to put our identity in anything and everything other than resting and being anchored in our God-given identity in Christ. We'll chase anything or anybody who will tell us that we're loved, valued and important. It doesn't matter what it is—our appearance, achievements, job titles, our successes, or our bank account. But it's critical for us to find our true identity in who God says we are, instead of trying to find it in what we do or what we have.

Our guest this week is Jason Dunn. Jason is a homegrown Kentucky boy who grew up on a farm, went to Harrodsburg High School, and received a scholarship to play tight end at Eastern Kentucky University. After an amazing college career, Jason earned a spot on EKU's Hall of Fame and was drafted as the 54th pick in the NFL draft to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jason played twelve years in the NFL with the Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. His story is filled with a lot of mountains and valleys. In our conversation today, we'll talk about football and life after football. Jason is a husband and dad. He and his wife Susan are foster care parents, and their family is a part of our church.

---

Opening Questions

Where are you winning this week
What's your favorite NFL team?
What were some fun stuff he shared about his NFL career?

Discussion Questions

Jason went through a long season of running from the Lord & chasing the world. Jason talked about having a hard conversation with his mom.

How do you typically handle tension… Do you move towards it, avoid it, or blow it up?
What's a difficult conversation you've been avoiding lately? What's holding you back?
Think of a past hard conversation with your parents or family. What went well, and what would you do differently now?

Jason talked about losing football and realizing his identity was tied to it.

Where do you tend to find your identity right now (job, success, reputation, family, etc.)?
Have you ever had something you relied on get taken away or shaken? How did it affect you?
What does it actually look like for a man to build his identity on Christ instead of performance?

Jason said he wants people to feel the love of Jesus when they meet him.

When people interact with you, what do you think they experience most?
Where is it hardest for you to reflect Jesus (work, home, stress, certain people)?
What's one practical way you can intentionally show Christ's love to someone this week?

Worldly vs. Godly Definitions of Manhood

According to culture, what defines a "successful man"?
How is that different from how Jesus defines a man?
Why is it so important to be vulnerable & transparent with other trusted men? Where do you need to grow in this area?

Jason talks about the importance of stepping up specifically for foster children.

Where do you see a need around you that you've been ignoring or overlooking?
What's one step, big or small, you could take to be more intentional in caring for others (foster kids, people struggling around us or even against family members/friends)?

Is there anything from this episode that we didn't touch on that sticks out to you? What is one tangible thing that you can do this week in response?

Wrap Up:

If this podcast has encouraged you—we'd love to hear from you.
If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church.
As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend. You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about.
Thanks for listening. Get after it! We'll catch you next time on Locker Room.