Wise Learners

 

Proverbs 1:5 "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.

Reflection

Wise people never stop learning understanding growth is not a destination but a lifelong journey. Proverbs 1:5 reminds us that a wise person continues to increase in learning. For officials, this principle is especially important. Every season brings new situations, new interpretations, new mechanics, and new opportunities to improve. The officials who excel year after year are the ones who remain teachable. They review video, study rules, listen and apply feedback from evaluations, ask questions, and learn from mistakes and from the experiences of others.

Are we committed to being learners and are we applying what we learn? Owning the rule book is not the same thing as studying it. Attending pregame is not the same thing as participating and preparing for the meeting.

Growth happens when learning moves from our head into our actions. No one becomes an outstanding official overnight. Growth comes from faithfully studying one rule at a time, consistently reviewing one play at a time, and doing so over time. The small daily disciplines eventually produce significant results.

The same is true in our walk with Christ. Spiritual maturity rarely comes through one extraordinary moment. It comes through daily time in God's Word, daily prayer, daily obedience, and daily learning. As we consistently place ourselves under God's instruction, He shapes us into wiser leaners, better officials, and stronger followers of Christ.

• What piece of feedback have I received recently that I need to apply?
• Am I still teachable, regardless of how many years I have worked games?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the source of all wisdom and truth. Give us humble hearts that remain teachable and eager to learn. Help us to grow as officials and followers of Christ. Guard us from complacency and pride; give us the discipline to pursue daily growth. May we faithfully study, consistently improve, and trust You to produce growth over time. Use our learning to better serve our crews, our games, and the athletes we officiate.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

 

“Great officials are not simply experienced. Great officials are committed learners."

Intake and Output

 

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.”

 Reflection

A simple but important truth: the content we use to fill ourselves matters. We cannot expect to demonstrate wisdom, patience, discipline, and self-control during difficult moments if we are not regularly feeding those qualities before the moment arrives.

Officials understand preparation. We study rules, review video, discuss mechanics, maintain physical conditioning, and mentally rehearse difficult situations. What we do before the game influences what happens during the game. An official cannot wait until a controversial play occurs to begin developing patience; or wait until a coach confronts us to begin working on emotional control; or wait until the crew experiences adversity to begin learning how to communicate calmly and lead with confidence. The next impacting decision, difficult coach interaction, or pressure-filled moment on the field will reveal what has been filling our hearts all week.

If we consistently feed ourselves God's Word, we will be more prepared to lead, communicate, and serve with wisdom and humility. If we feed ourselves frustration, criticism, negativity, and distracting content, those influences may shape how we react when tension rises. But, when we feed ourselves Scripture, prayer, wisdom, encouragement, and constructive teaching, we are better prepared to respond with composure and integrity. As Proverbs 4:23 teaches: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Our decisions, words, reactions, and attitudes do not appear from nowhere. They flow from what has been developing within us.

1. What are you regularly feeding your mind and spirit?
2. Is your daily intake helping you grow in wisdom, patience, and humility?
3. Am I as intentional about feeding my spirit as I am about studying the rule book?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for providing what we need to grow in wisdom. Your Word nourishes our hearts and guides our decisions. Help us to be intentional about what we allow into our minds and spirits each day.

 Lord, as officials, we face pressure, criticism, and uncertainty. Help us draw from the truth You have placed within us rather than reacting out of frustration or pride. Fill us with patience when tensions rise, humility when we make mistakes, courage when difficult decisions must be made, and grace in every interaction.

 Give us the discipline to spend time in Your Word, the wisdom to learn from others, and the desire to continually become better servants, crewmates, and officials. May our preparation extend beyond the rule book and into our hearts. Let our character, integrity, and conduct reflect You both on and off the field We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

“Under pressure, we usually draw from what we have already placed inside ourselves.

 

What Are You Getting?

PROVERBS 2:6 “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Reflection

Knowledge tells us what the rule is. Wisdom tells us how to apply it when fans are watching, a coach is demanding an explanation, and the game hangs in the balance. Sometimes our biggest challenge is not knowing the rule, it's managing frustration after a missed call, maintaining composure in a hostile environment, accepting feedback from a grader, supervisor, crewmate or fellow official and avoiding burnout during a long season.

"A sign that you are getting wiser is when you are increasingly becoming more aware of your own faults than the faults of others."  Henry Cloud

That hits close to home for officials. It is easy to notice when another official is out of position, misses a call, or struggles with communication. Wisdom causes us to examine ourselves first:

·        Did I prepare as well as I could?

·        Did I communicate clearly with my crew?

·        Was I focused in my area of responsibility?

·        Am I helping my crewmates succeed?

 

The wisest officials are the ones who continually evaluate themselves, remain teachable, and seek improvement. Our minds are continuously fed. We can consume endless criticism, negativity, social media arguments, and distractions, or we can fill ourselves with Scripture, learning, encouragement, and growth.

Great officials do not simply watch football. They study football.

Great Christians do not simply attend church. They pursue Christ.

God is the giver of wisdom—Proverbs 2:6. The quality of what we feed our minds and hearts today will show up in how we perform tomorrow. Ask God to not only to make you a better official, but to make you a wiser one.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the privilege of serving this game. Give us wisdom beyond our experience, knowledge, and preparation. Help us remain calm when pressure rises, humble when we succeed, and accountable when we fall short. Help us respond with grace instead of reacting emotionally. Give us clear judgment, sharp focus, and excellent communication.

Teach us to continually evaluate ourselves before judging others. Fill our hearts with Your truth and help us pursue growth in our faith, our families, and our officiating.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Takeaway

“An official who hungers for wisdom spends more time improving his/her own game rather than criticizing someone else’s.”

 

Are You Hungry?

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you.”    James 1:5

REFLECTION

Knowledge does not equate to wisdom. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing to not put the tomato in a fruit salad.

As officials, we spend significant time acquiring knowledge. We study the rule book, mechanics manual, case plays, and philosophies. We memorize penalty enforcement, timing rules, and procedural responsibilities. Knowledge is essential. Yet some of the most important decisions we make during the game require more than knowledge. It requires the hunger for wisdom as well. Wisdom allows officials to use knowledge to make decisive decisions in challenging, chaotic, and uncertain circumstances.

Every game presents moments that are not simply about rules knowledge. Officials must determine what is most important in the moment, manage competing priorities, handle difficult situations, and lead with care.

An official may know the correct ruling, but wisdom determines how to communicate it, calm a tense situation, gather information from the crew, and maintain credibility while serving the game.

The challenge is not if we need wisdom. It is whether we are humble enough and hunger to ask God for it (James 1:5).

Are we seeking and growing in wisdom? Here are some personal reflections to gauge your hunger for wisdom:

·        Am I focused on improving myself more than finding faults in others?

·        Am I teachable?

·        Am I willing to learn from every member of crew I officiate with?

·        Am I seeking God’s wisdom more than relying on my own experience?

 

TODAY’S COMMITMENT: Ask God for wisdom before relying on your own knowledge.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the knowledge, training, and experience You have provided. We recognize, however, that knowledge alone is not enough. We need Your wisdom.

Help us see situations clearly and judge them fairly. Give us wisdom when decisions must be made quickly. Give us patience when emotions rise. Give us humility to listen to one another and confidence to act when action is required. Guide our communication with coaches, players, administrators and fellow officials. Help our crew work together with unity, professionalism, and integrity.

Protect us from pride and self-reliance. Help us remain teachable and eager to learn. As James teaches, we ask for wisdom, trusting that You give it generously to those who seek You. May every decision we make today honor You and serve the game well.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

TAKEAWAY

Knowledge helps us know the rules. Wisdom helps us apply the rules in a way that serves the game, supports our crew, and honors God.

Reliable Message

Scripture Focus:
“An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.”— Proverbs 13:17

Reflection:
Albert Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 Rule reminds us communication is much more than words. Only 7% of our message comes from what we say; 38% is shaped by our tone of voice, and a striking 55% by our body language. This means the majority of what we communicate is not spoken—it’s felt, seen, and experienced.

George Bernard Shaw, playwright and Nobel Prize winner in Literature in 1925, once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” How often do we assume others understand us, only to realize later that our message was lost or misunderstood? Whether on the field, at work, or in our families, breakdowns in communication can lead to confusion and conflict.

Reflection for Officials:
As sports officials, communication is at the heart of every decision, signal, and interaction. Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 Rule reminds us our effectiveness is determined not just by what we say, but by how we say it and how we present it.

Practical Ways to Use the 7-38-55 Principle:

• 7% Words:
• Use clear, concise language when reporting fouls, in crew discussions or making announcements.
• Avoid jargon that may confuse players and coaches.
• When explaining a ruling, choose words that are neutral and factual.
• 38% Tone of Voice:
• Maintain a calm, steady tone, especially in tense situations.
• Use volume appropriately—project confidence without sounding aggressive.
• Let our tone convey respect and authority, not frustration or impatience.
• 55% Body Language:
• Stand tall and use confident, open posture to signal decisiveness.
• Make eye contact when addressing players or coaches, showing attentiveness.
• Use clear, deliberate signals; avoid rushed or ambiguous movements, limiting arm movements.
• Facial expressions matter—show focus and professionalism, not annoyance or distraction.

Real-Life Application:
Officials communicate constantly—prior to the game, during pre-game warm-ups, through pre-snap signals, mechanics before, during and after plays, radio use among the crew, and Referee announcements. A breakdown in any of these areas can lead to confusion or conflict. By being intentional with words, tone, and body language, officials can prevent misunderstandings and foster respect among the crew, coaches, and players.

Questions for Reflection:

• Am I aware of how my body language affects my credibility on the field?
• Do I use my tone to de-escalate tense moments, or do I unintentionally add to the tension?
• How can I ensure my words, tone, and actions are consistent and reliable?

Prayer for Officials:

Lord, help me to be a reliable messenger on and off the field. Give me wisdom to choose my words carefully, patience to maintain a respectful tone, and self-awareness to use body language that builds trust. May my communication bring clarity, peace, and healing in every situation I face. Amen. 

When to Give Thanks!

Scripture Reference:

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Devotional Thought:

Belief in God’s divine guidance enables us to be thankful when things go well and patient when things go against us. Paul’s words remind us that God’s will is for us to be thankful not just for the good, but in every circumstance. Notice that Paul doesn’t say to be thankful for all circumstances, but in all circumstances. When life is difficult, God calls us to be grateful for His sustaining presence and help.

It’s easy to overlook gratitude when things are going well. Human nature can cause us to forget the daily gifts God provides. Today, make it a point to notice the blessings around you: what you see, what you have, and who is with you. Observe the color, beauty, and variety in your life.

As officials, thankfulness takes on unique meaning.

• Thankful for Opportunity: We have the privilege to participate in a game we love, to be part of the action, and to contribute to fair play.
• Thankful for Support: Appreciate the encouragement from your family and fellow officials, who understand the challenges and joys of officiating.
• Thankful for Growth: Each game, whether easy or difficult, is a chance to learn, grow in patience, and develop character.
• Thankful for Influence: We have the opportunity to impact athletes, coaches, fans, and fellow officials by modeling integrity, respect, and calm under pressure.
• Thankful in Challenges: Even when faced with criticism or tough calls, we can be grateful for God’s strength to endure and the lessons learned through adversity.

Application:

• Practice the gift of noticing.
• Make a list of the blessings you observe today.
• Be thankful for opportunities, support from family and colleagues, and the chance to impact others.
• In both good times and tough times, choose gratitude and patience.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to give thanks in all circumstances. Open my eyes to the blessings around me, and grant me patience when things are difficult. Thank you for your constant presence and for the opportunities to serve and touch the lives of others. As an official, help me to be grateful for every moment, every challenge, and every opportunity to make a difference. Amen.

How to Be (Blessed)

The beatitudes are spiritual teachings Jesus gave during his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12) and can be understood as blessings for those who live according to His message. There are eight beatitudes that describe qualities of character: "humility," "truthfulness," "meek/restraint,” “dedication to fairness," “empathy,” “integrity,” “peacemakers,” and "resilience to criticism."

 

• "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3):
• Officials' quality: Humility and self-awareness. A good official understands they are not perfect and need support and training to improve. They are part of a team of officials, not an individual, and operate under the league's authority and guidelines.
• "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4):
• Officials' quality: Acknowledging mistakes. Officials are human and make errors; The ability to acknowledge a mistake, correct it if possible, and move on is a key aspect of resilience in officiating.
• "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5):
• Officials' quality: Composure under pressure and restraint. Officials demonstrate meekness by not reacting to verbal abuse from fans, players, or coaches. They enforce rules with quiet authority rather than an overbearing or arrogant attitude, allowing the game to proceed with minimal disruption.
• "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6):
• Officials' quality: A dedication to fairness and correct application of the rules. Officials have a strong desire to make the correct, fair call, ensuring justice is served on the field according to the established guidelines. They are neutral and show no prejudice towards either team.
• "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7):
• Officials' quality: Empathy and appropriate judgment. While enforcing rules strictly, an official must also exercise discretion and "people skills" when dealing with players and coaches. They may issue warnings when appropriate, demonstrating an understanding of context and human emotion.
• "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8):
• Officials' quality: Integrity and lack of bias. Purity of heart in officiating translates to impartiality and an honest approach to every decision. Officials must be driven by an commitment to the rules, not personal gain or team preference.
• "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9):
• Officials' quality: Conflict resolution and maintaining order. Officials act as mediators in a contentious environment, working to de-escalate conflicts and ensure the game flows smoothly and safely.
• "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10) and “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5:11)
• Officials' quality: Resilience to criticism. Officials often face intense criticism and are frequently "persecuted" by fans and media for their decisions, even when they are correct. The Beatitude offers the perspective that doing the right thing, despite public backlash, is a worthy endeavor.

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Stay Sharp

Scripture Focus:

"For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart."
— Hebrews 4:12

Devotional Thought

As officials, our role is crucial. Just as athletes must make crisp, sharp movements and decisions to succeed, officials must be sharp in their decisions and actions. A moment of sloppiness—a missed call, a lapse in focus—can change the outcome of a game and affect everyone involved.

The Bible teaches us that God’s Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword.” It is our guide for living with integrity, focus, and wisdom. Just as we train to be physically and mentally sharp for each game, we are called to be spiritually sharp by letting God’s Word shape your character and decisions.

Reflection

• Stay Sharp in Your Judgment:
  Before each game, pray for wisdom and clarity. Let God’s Word remind you to be fair, honest, and attentive on every play and situation.
• Be Consistent and Focused:
  Don’t let fatigue or distraction lead to sloppy officiating. Stay alert, focused, and disciplined, knowing that our actions reflect not only on you but also the integrity of the game.
• Apply God’s Word to Your Role:
  Use Scripture as your foundation for making tough decisions. Let it guide your responses to players, coaches, and fans, especially in moments of pressure. For example, in Psalm 32:8, God promises to guide and counsel us—“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Practical Application

• Begin each game day with a brief devotion and prayer, asking God for discernment and strength.
• Memorize key verses like Hebrews 4:12 to remind yourself of the importance of staying sharp.

Closing Reflection

Officials must be sharp to ensure a fair and successful game. Let’s commit to staying focused, disciplined, and rooted in Scripture—on and off the field.

Prayer:
Lord, as I step onto the field, help me to be sharp in my judgment and fair in my decisions. Let Your Word guide my actions and keep me focused, so I may honor You in my role as an official. Amen.

Steadfast

 Scripture

“My heart is steadfast, O God. I will sing and make music with all my soul.” (Psalm 108:1)

Reflection

There’s an ancient saying:
“Thou shalt stand immovable in joy and sorrow like the bones of the dead.”
To be immovable is to be firmly rooted—steady and consistent, not easily pushed off course. This is especially challenging when life brings hardship, not just when things are going well.

To be steadfast, you are firm, unwavering and loyal often in the face of opposition or challenge. The biblical idea of steadfastness is no different--unwavering, firm, and resolute. David, in Psalm 108:1, declares his heart is steadfast, choosing to praise God regardless of circumstances.

Application

Steadfastness is a daily decision. In our spiritual lives and in our work (such as officiating), we are called to be unwavering. Consider these areas:

• Rules and Video Study: Be consistent, even when it’s difficult and time consuming.
• Crew Commitment: Show up and be present for your crew, every time.
• Communication: Speak truthfully and clearly, building trust.
• Stress: Face challenges with courage, not fear.
• Evaluations: Care about growth and feedback, not just results.
• Interactions: Be trustworthy with everyone--coaches, players, administrators.
• Decision-making: Stay humble in success, steady in mistakes.

Some days you’ll succeed; other days, you’ll face defeat. In both, dust yourself off, ask for God’s grace, and recommit to being steadfast.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be steadfast in heart and action. Grant me grace to stand firm in joy and sorrow, and to reflect Your unwavering love in all I do. Amen.

Other Scriptures on being Steadfast:

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

James 1:4: “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Go Before Us

 Scripture:

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”
— Proverbs 16:9

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Reflection

We all make plans—for our families, our work, and even our roles as officials. Often, things go as we expect. But sometimes, circumstances change: a job situation shifts, a loved one gets sick, or we face challenges in our officiating, like injuries or mistakes.

When life doesn’t go as planned, it’s natural to wonder: Did God make a mistake? What is He trying to teach us?

The truth is in every circumstance—good or bad—God’s sovereign hand is at work in our lives. He uses all things for our ultimate benefit and His glory. As believers in Jesus Christ, this is the foundation we stand on.

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Key Thought

When facing challenges, remember the prevenient grace of God—“the grace that goes before us.” We often think of God’s presence as walking with us, but He’s also already gone ahead, preparing the way.

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Application

• In officiating, as in life, we experience both successes and failures. Good decisions build our confidence, but mistakes can help us grow and mature—if we respond with faith.
• How do you respond to setbacks? Do you let them set you back, or do you allow God to use them for growth?
• Trust that God is not only with you now, but has already gone before you, preparing the road ahead.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for going before me. Help me trust Your sovereign hand in every circumstance—good or bad. Give me confidence not just in my successes, but also in my failures, knowing You use all things for my growth and Your glory. Amen.