Lessons Learned

Why is it important to remember the past?  Remembering the past helps us to repeat the things we have done right and avoid repeating previous mistakes. But since lessons learned involve both positive and negative past situations, it is important to know when doing so is beneficial versus detrimental. This wisdom is critical to our ability to move forward.

In the Bible, Genesis 19 contains the story of God’s destruction of the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their past and on-going sins. The Lord instructed a God-abiding Lot and his family to flee Sodom and not to look back.  As Lot’s family was fleeing the cities being destroyed, Lot’s wife acted against wisdom and “looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19: 26).  Using this example from the Bible, we learn sometimes we need to move forward without spending the time to look back.  Sure, we need to understand the “why” behind our pursuit of moving forward, but not get distracted by past mistakes.

However, God has instructed us at other times to reference the past to determine better how to handle the future. In Deuteronomy 6: 12, Moses warns the people of Israel not to forget…”be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” Unfortunately, the Israelites had forgotten what God had done for them in the past. They were fighting and arguing with each other about current struggles and had become restless forgetting what God had provided them in the past.  At times, looking back helps us learn from wrong-doings and how to better proceed. 

So—how do we know when to look back or just to keep our eyes forward? Discernment is the key! As officials, we must discern when to move forward without looking back; or, when we need to look back to have a clearer direction on how to move forward.  Again, use discernment.

As officials, we can neither dwell on the positive or the negative. Instead, learn from our past, move forward, and don’t let the past hinder our future.

Whatever “it” is, learn from it.  Then get over it.  Robert J. O’Neill

Attributes—How do they define us?

Previous devotions have encouraged us to leave a good impression and to develop good character.  Good impressions are left by smiling, being on time, and listening.  Our character is developed by controlling our thoughts, guarding our hearts and minds, and keeping good company.  Character was defined as “the whole you—thoughts, intentions, and actions.”  In other words, our attributes define our character. 

Attributes are defined as a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something.  Just as character can be good or bad, attributes can be good or bad. Why?...because our attributes help define our character.  So, how do we develop positive attributes?  In an article by Todd Wagner, former pastor at Watermark Church, he describes 5 attributes of a Godly man (article link: www.watermark.org):

1.       Step Up:  Lead, initiate, be a person of action.  Reject apathy and passivity. (Ezekiel 22:30--I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.)

2.       Speak Out:  Be courageous! Silence in the midst of sin is a sin.  There is a time to listen and a time to speak. (Proverbs 27: 5-6:  Better is open rebuke than hidden love.  Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.)

3.       Stand Strong:  Don’t give in when you are challenged, attacked, or criticized.

4.       Stay Humble: Be vigilant against pride.  Don’t think less of yourself, think of yourself less. (Philippians 2: 3-4:  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.)

5.       Serve People and the King:  Live to honor and serve others for a greater reward.

A few years ago, our football officiating crew worked together to identify what we feel are important traits (attributes) of a “Super Ref.” The following attributes are the ones we identified:

Common sense                             Decisive                                              Good crewmate

Athletic                                        Integrity                                               No ego

Great judgment                           Well balanced                                      Team player

Durable                                       Calm                                                   Good leader  

Great communicator                  Presence                                              Rules knowledge

Great physical appearance       Open to criticism/improvement           Do the right thing under pressure

Combining the 5 attributes of a Godly man together with the attributes of a Super Ref, which ones would define you?  Which one(s) do you need to work on to not only make you a better official, but a person with high character? What steps will you take this week to work on them? Who will hold you accountable?

“You create a strong, unshakable internal core by understanding and pursuing the attributes that you want to inherit.”

Character

 This week's devotion was prepared by Rick Loumiet--Replay Official, Big 12.......

As I began clean up in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, I noticed several large mature trees uprooted and blown over while next to them there were other similar trees that stood tall.  The difference I observed was the strength of the root system which being well rooted, allowed the tree to withstand hurricane force winds.  As I looked at this, I realized what a great analogy about a man’s character.  A man with a strong character, a strong root system, will be able to withstand the sometimes hurricane force winds that come his way.

So what is character ?

Character is defined as strength of moral fiber. It was once said as the excellence of gold is its purity, so the excellence of man is his character. A person’s character is the sum of his disposition (a person’s inherent qualities), thoughts, intentions and actions. In other words, character is the whole “you” and takes every part of the attributes listed above.  For example, can have good intentions but they must be followed by good actions.  

We’ve all heard the old saying “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching”. Many have laid claim to this quote but the most famous was Coach John Wooden.

We need turn no further than the Bible to find many men and women who were people of amazing character.  Here’s just a couple:  

- Daniel was taken into captivity by Babylon after it besieged Jerusalem. Daniel was selected to be placed into the King’s service and received the best of training and food but the food did not meet Daniel’s strict religious dietary requirements.  He could have easily eaten anything he wanted when no one was around but, being a strong man of character, he made what were not popular choices, but the correct choices in his diet.   He stood on a strong root system.

- David was the great warrior king of Israel. While he didn’t always make the right choice ,he always recognized his errors, repented and worked to live a life after God. His inherent qualities and actions were ones always seeking after God and God’s direction. The Bible describes David as a man “after God’s own heart”. What a great description of a man’s character.

So how do we develop character;

1. Controlling our thoughts. Philippians 4:8; Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think on these things.

2. Guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:23; Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Open your heart and mind like a safe keeping only precious and valuable things in there.

Finally, (3.) Keep good company. 1 Cor 15:33; Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals”.

Let me close with a great quote from Margaret Thatcher:

Watch your thoughts for they become words,

Watch your words for they become actions,

Watch your actions for they become habits,

Watch your habits for they become your character,

Watch your character for it becomes your destiny.

Impressions--First & Lasting

“I usually make up my mind about a man in ten seconds, and I very rarely change it.”  Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of United Kingdom.

The old expression “you can’t judge a book by its cover” may be true; but if I don’t like the cover, it will likely keep me from finding out what’s in the book. First impressions are significant for most people. It’s not always fair that we judge people that quickly.  But to have someone want to hear us and learn more about us, we need to make a good impression. 

So, as football officials, how do we make good first impressions? Pastor Harrold Herring wrote in his blog (haroldherring.com) “Seven Ways to make a Godly First Impression”:

1)      Have fun and recognize every moment is an opportunity.  Having fun is just enjoying life using opportunities to have a positive impact on people we come in contact.

2)      Smile.  The Bible makes many references to the positive impact of smiling—Numbers 6:25-26, Psalm 31:16, Psalm 119:135, Psalm 43:5.  Psalm 67: 1 says “May God be merciful and bless us.  May his face smile with favor on us.”

3)      Dress for success.  Right or wrong—the way a person is dressed often forms our opinion of someone. Though not everyone has the means to fine threads, they do have the opportunity to dress their best.

4)      Be on time.  When we are on time, even early, the impression is that we care and that we value the time of others.

5)      Listen.  We will impress people by our ability to listen more than our ability to speak.

6)      Be a diligent worker. Diligent means being quick, prompt, skilled, ready.

7)      Be Genuine.  When we meet or talk with people, be sincere. Don’t be fake.  Look people into their eyes and make sure that moment is dedicated to them—not the next person or activity.

As officials, other people have their eyes focused on us and often we don’t even realize who and when.  Therefore, we need to be conscious of how we represent ourselves, our family, our crew, and other fellow officials.  Truth is, we are always making impressions—good, bad, positive, or negative.  The question is what lasting impression will we make?  Those we are given the opportunity to make positive, lasting impressions with include hotel staff, Uber drivers, athletic staffs, police officers/security, coaches, players, TSA, flight attendants, etc.  Go back to item number one listed above: “…recognize every moment is an opportunity.” Use these opportunities to leave a positive impression.

“People forget what you said, forget what you did, but never forget how you made them feel.”

To leave a positive, lasting impression, put on Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”