We are busy people. Family responsibilities, work obligations, and personal events fill our calendars quickly. When we find our calendars over-loaded, we “give up,” “over-look,” or “set aside” certain activities and responsibilities so we can fulfill obligations in other areas. How do we decide what to do? The one thing we should not do is skip seeking wisdom. As we feel pressure from our schedule and the “to-do list,” we should pause and pray for wisdom from God to give us direction to accomplish our tasks.
The more activities we
have, the more we need God to give us wisdom to accomplish one task at a time. Seeking
God helps us prioritize our workload and gives us wisdom on how to more
effectively tackle each task. The Bible tells us, “Now if any of you lacks
wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing,
and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
As officials, what responsibilities
are we having to prioritize? Before we arrive onto the field, we prioritize our
physical fitness, rules and video study, uniform cleaning, and travel
requirements. When we get to game time, what then are our priorities as we
strive to manage the game well? (1) Clear communication among the crew as well as
with coaches, players, administrators; (2) clock management awareness; (3) thorough
reporting of fouls to Referee and solid announcements by Referee; (4) and overall
calmness and professionalism during the game. With all we are called to accomplish
on and off the field, we would be negligent to not seek wisdom.
A
perfect example in the Bible is Jesus’ visit with sisters Mary and Martha. Mary
sat at Jesus’ feet simply listening to all He said. Martha, on the other hand
was “busy.” Martha was frustrated Mary wasn’t helping prepare the meal and said
to Jesus, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell
her to give me a hand.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried
and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the
right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:39–42) Although Martha was doing important things such
as preparing food and a place for Jesus and His disciples to rest, Mary chose
something even more important--listening to Jesus.
In our
life of busyness, seeking wisdom from God to determine how to prioritize our “to-do
list” is critical and makes our works more effective.
Efficiency is doing things
right; effectiveness is doing the right things.
