Diamonds and Pearls

Diamonds and Pearls are two of the most popular pieces of jewelry.  Most wedding rings have a diamond(s) on the ring and pearl bracelets/necklaces/ear rings are favorites as well. Both are always good choices for gifts and to get yourself out of trouble!

What does it take to get a real diamond or pearl?  Other than money, to get a real diamond or pearl something tough must happen.  Real Diamonds are produced through high temperature and pressure deep in the earth’s surface.  The pressure of volcanic eruptions brings the diamonds closer to the earth’s surface to be mined.  For a pearl, it is formed when an irritant enters into an oyster, mussel, or clam.  As a defense, a fluid is released to coat the irritant.  The oyster (or mussel or claim) will continue to release this fluid to form several layers which hardens to form a pearl.

Now, think about what two of the finest pieces of jewelry are made from----High Temperature, Pressure, and Irritation. In officiating, what do we produce when tempers get high, when pressure rises, and when things irritate us?  Do we produce diamonds and pearls or do we melt?

James 1: 3-4:  ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Simply put, life’s pressure and irritations show who we really are.  Verse 3 explains that the testing of faith shows our “true-colors.”  Then in verse 4, it instructs us not to try to get out of it.  Why? So, we will  be “mature and complete.”  Pressure enables, or can enable, us to be better, more knowledgeable and stronger.

Therefore, we face pressure and irritations head on.  But how?  Focus on three things:

1)      Our faith.  Know that God puts us in situations to help us grow and He will not give us more than we can handle. 1 Corinthians 10: 13--“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it”.

2)      Each other.  Crewmates can and should help each other navigate through pressure which will hopefully result in the most positive outcome.

3)      Our past.  Use our past to handle the pressure and irritation.  We all have good and bad in our past, learn from it and use it.

There is a 100% guarantee in every game we officiate--we will face high tempers, pressure, and irritations. Today, what are you going to produce from those things?  Will it be diamonds and pearls?

No pressure, no diamonds.

Pressure creates diamonds and fire refines gold.