Has a Referee
November 2, 2010 (Tuesday)
Have you noticed that football players like to make rulings for the officials? Every game now is decorated with players creating the signals for first down, a legal catch, out of bounds, in bounds, off side, false start, you name it. Besides that, they want to huddle up with the officials when they are trying to talk to each other about what has happened on the field. Any day now I wouldn’t be surprised to see a player reverse a call and move the ball, calling for action on the sidelines to move markers.
Call me an old grouch, but it looks more and more like the main problems in professional football are the players themselves. I can’t help but think of the days when a sports hero considered his popularity and fame a responsibility as well as an achievement or opportunity. I think back to the time when Doak Walker, an All-American, refused to endorse products that he considered wrong for young people. He turned down hard cash for the sake of his influence. He was a true sports hero. There have been others like him. They are not as easy to find today.
– You and I and the game of life:
In the game of life, many of us seem to think the rules are for someone else. We call our own shots. Reminds me of a time in the world’s history when it was said, “Every man did what was right in his own eyes.” God didn’t like that situation, so he started giving Noah instructions for a big boat. We may be able to learn something from that bit of history.
The fact is that Jesus warned us against passing judgment. God says clearly, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay.” He doesn’t want us trying to take his place. I may signal a touchdown, but it’s not one until the Referee says so.