Expectations

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2

Devotional Thought

Officials carry expectations. We expect coaches to behave professionally, players to play with discipline and fellow officials to be prepared and focused. We should expect the best from others. Expecting the best creates an environment where people can grow, give grace when mistakes happen, and help others become better through challenges rather than being defined by them.

Every game includes mistakes. A coach may say something in frustration. A player may react emotionally. A partner may miss a mechanic or make an incorrect call. When we expect the best, we assume positive intent. We recognize that most people are trying their best under pressure. We offer correction without condemnation and lead with grace instead of criticism. Extending grace doesn't mean ignoring problems or lowering standards. It means maintaining high standards while extending the same grace God extends to us every day.

Ephesians 4:2 calls us to be humble, patient, and willing to bear with one another. To bear with others means enduring faults, mistakes, and differences—not with resentment, but with love. As 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) reminds us, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” This is what godly leadership looks like on the football field. Our attitude during the pregame conference, our response to adversity, and our communication in difficult moments influences the entire crew. When we expect the best from others, we help bring out their best—and set a positive tone for everyone around us.

Application

• Am I expecting the best from myself and my crewmates?
• When mistakes occur, do I respond with grace or frustration?
• Does my attitude set a positive tone for the entire officiating crew?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the grace You show us every day. Help us to lead like Christ by expecting the best in others while maintaining excellence in our work. Give us patience when mistakes happen, wisdom when correction is needed, and a positive spirit that encourages those around us. May our leadership on the field reflect Your love, Your grace, and Your faithfulness. Help us set a tone that honors You and serves our fellow officials well.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reaction Matters

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

REFLECTION

A major part of officiating is obviously understanding rules, mechanics, and positioning. Yet some of the most important decisions we make are not with a whistle or a flag. They are with our words and our reactions. Every game presents numerous opportunities to respond. A coach questions a call. A player shows frustration. A partner makes a mistake. Fans and media say things that may be far from the truth. In those moments, our character is often revealed more by our reaction than by our ruling.

Paul reminds us in Colossians 4:6 that our conversations should be full of grace. Grace does not mean weakness. It means choosing words that bring calm, respect, and professionalism even when emotions are high. Being “seasoned with salt” means speaking with wisdom, knowing what the situation needs rather than simply saying whatever comes to mind.

Officials are often judged not just by whether a call was correct, but by how they handled the pressure surrounding it. A quick-tempered response can escalate a situation. A calm and gracious response can diffuse it. Our words can either build credibility or damage trust. The game may last only a few hours, but the way we represent ourselves, our crew, and our faith leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.

APPLICATION

This week, focus on three simple commitments:

1. Pause before responding when emotions rise.

2. Choose words that show respect to coaches, players, and fellow officials.

3. Remember that every reaction is part of your witness both as an official and as a Christian.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to serve through officiating. Help us guard our words and manage our reactions when emotions run high. Give us wisdom to speak with grace, courage to remain composed under pressure, and humility to represent You well in every interaction. May our conduct bring honor to You and confidence to those we serve. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Bronze Medal

 

This week's devotional is from Kristopher D. Loving, Sr. - Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Zionsville, IN

https://www.fellowshipofchristianofficials.org/

Related Scripture: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4. The infamous Ricky Bobby said, “If you ain't first, you're last.” An early 2000s songwriter penned, “What does it take to be number one? Second place is not a winner, and nobody remembers third.” Neither of these are biblically based nor do I believe the Holy Spirit led them to these words. However, I believe God can use these pop references to help us truly win. Romans 12:2 declares, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God is.”  Being number one, being the champion, and being the best is certainly the world's way. I challenge us to renew our minds to God’s way. His way leads us to strive for 3rd place: Jesus (1), others (2), us (3). Since 1904, the third-place winners in the Olympics have received a bronze medal. This is an amazing accomplishment, but certainly not anyone's ultimate goal. In officiating, no one aims to be the third best at their position or on the third-best crew. God created us to strive for excellence and to prosper in what He's called us to do. Being number one is not a sin or unrighteousness. But the challenge is to aspire to excellence with humility, grace, and selflessness. It may seem counterproductive to speak highly of your “competition.”  It may not be sensible to think of others’ success more than your own. Jesus is undefeated and so are His ways. If we serve faithfully on His team, then we will be number one for eternity, and not just on the podium. Live like the gold medalist by serving in third place. Questions to Ponder: Who is someone that I need to esteem higher than myself? Who can I thank for thinking of me more than themselves? Kristopher D. Loving, Sr. - Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Zionsville, IN