If You’re Not In The Game Don’t Blame

We desire to have others perfect, and yet we do not correct our own faults. We would allow others to be severely corrected, and will not be corrected ourselves. We will have others kept under by strict laws, but in no case do we want to be restrained. And so it appears that we seldom weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves. ~Thomas a Kempis

For many years, my husband part-timed as a high school basketball referee. I learned early on not to tell anyone.

One game I remember with a shudder. The stands were packed. Two rival teams, two sets of crowded risers faced off across the gym.

I was trapped in the parent section, my ears ringing from the groans and shrieks and screamed suggestions. As I glanced down the row of rolled up sleeved shirts stained with perspiring school pride, I marveled at the venom. Shrill advice splattered over anyone in motion below.

Unfortunately, positive reinforcement wasn’t on the program.

Bored with the limited, though colorful, vocabulary, I closed my eyes and imagined Jesus walking out at half-time and drawing something with his finger on the squeaky gym floor…

Maybe I exaggerate. I confess, I’ve done my share of shouting. That’s what spectators are supposed to do, right?

It’s Easy To Blame When You’re Not In The Game

A common caricature of Christians today: we sit in our padded auditorium seats, bemoaning the score and shouting our cranky conclusions to the world, while refusing to get in the game.

Not playing, not coaching, not refereeing. Not sweaty and tired from dribbling drills and wind sprints and late night free-throw practice in the driveway. Not pasta feeding or car washing or ankle-taping. Not jolting for hours on aging school buses, or shouting encouragement from a stone-hard bench.

Instead, we specialize in self-satisfied critique from the safety of the stands, waving our Bibles at the players below, certain we would do better.

Maybe that viewpoint is grossly unfair, but what are you doing to correct it?

“But the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.” 

James 3:17-18 NLT

Where is God nudging you get out of the stands and into the game?

 

Photo Credit