Courage

 

Scripture:
“The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”— Proverbs 28:1

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”— 2 Timothy 1:7

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Reflection:
The 1980 U.S. Men’s Hockey Team’s victory over the Russians is a legendary example of courage in sports. But courage isn’t just for athletes on the world stage—it’s essential for sports officials, too.

As officials, we encounter situations that require us to be brave, steadfast, and optimistic, even when it’s difficult. Here are four qualities of courage, adapted from Ray Pritchard’s “Finding Wisdom in Proverbs”:

• Bravery in the face of danger: “I won’t be afraid.”
  For officials, danger may not always be physical, but it can mean stepping in when something isn’t right, making the tough call, or standing alone when necessary.
• Steadfastness in the face of opposition: “I won’t give up.”
  Officials often face criticism, especially after a controversial call. The real test of courage is how we respond—do we prepare, strive to improve, and support our crew, or do mistakes define us?
• Action in the face of resistance: “I won’t be intimidated.”
  When coaches or players are upset, do we communicate with confidence and clarity? Courage means maintaining composure and authority, even under pressure.
• Optimism in the face of despair: “I won’t lose heart.”
  Tough games and tough seasons happen. Courage is choosing to respond with hope and determination, both individually and as a crew.

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Application:

• Think about a recent game or situation where you needed courage. How did you respond?
• Which of the four qualities of courage is most challenging? How can you grow in that area?
• Remember, your courage can inspire your crew, earn respect from coaches and players, and uphold the spirit of the game.

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Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the calling to serve as an official. Give me courage to make the right calls, to stand firm in the face of opposition, and to lead with integrity. Help me to remember that You have given me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. May my actions reflect Your strength and courage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Power of Diligence

Scripture:

“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” — Proverbs 10:4

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Devotional Message:
Diligence is more than just hard work—it’s a mindset of care, persistence, and conscientiousness in everything we do. Solomon reminds us in Proverbs 10:4 that diligence can “tip the scales” of life in our favor. This verse is a call to consistent effort, reminding us that success is often the result of steady, faithful work over time. For sports officials, this truth is especially relevant. We face challenges like missed calls, communication breakdowns, and crew conflicts. Yet, through steady effort and a commitment to improvement, we can overcome these obstacles.

History gives us powerful examples of diligence defeating doubt:

• Henry Ford was told his dream of mass-producing cars was impossible.
• The Wright brothers were mocked for believing they could fly.

They didn’t give up. Their diligence changed the world.

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Reflection/Application:
As officials, how can we embody diligence in our roles?

• Review game footage—both individually and with your crew.
• Study rules and mechanics persistently.
• Stay calm and communicate effectively during games.
• Step up and step in when situations feel off.
• Rest and recover after each game to stay sharp.

Success in officiating isn’t just about talent—it’s about how much we care. Our diligence reflects our commitment to excellence, both individually and as a crew.

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Prayer:
Lord, help me to be diligent in all I do. Give me the strength to persist through challenges and the wisdom to grow from every experience. May my efforts honor You and uplift those I work with. Amen.

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Closing Thought:
Diligence doesn’t guarantee perfection—but it does guarantee progress. Let your commitment to excellence speak louder than any doubt.

Be Offensive

Scripture

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
— Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)

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Reflection

Convictions are more than preferences—they are deeply held beliefs that guide our actions. Whether it's Head Coach deciding on a quarterback or an official deciding when to speak up when things don’t seem right, convictions move us toward purposeful decisions.

But what holds us back? Often, it’s fear—especially the fear of offending others. This fear can silence us when we should speak up. As Christians, we sometimes dilute our language or soften our stance to avoid discomfort. Yet, Proverb 29 reminds us that fear is a trap, but the trust in the Lord is our safety.

Ray Pritchard, in Finding Wisdom in the Proverbs, quotes William Arnot of the Scotland Arnott Bakehouse: “While knowledge of the truth is almost universal, the practice of what is right is rare.”

This is a call to action. Knowing the truth isn’t enough—we must act on it.

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Application

As officials, leaders, or believers, we are often faced with situations where we know what’s right but hesitate to act. In a football game, if a penalty is being enforced incorrectly, do we speak up or stay silent or hesitate to avoid conflict?

Being offensive doesn’t mean being rude—it means being bold and proactive in standing for truth. Trusting in God gives us the courage to act on our convictions, even when it’s uncomfortable.

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Prayer

Lord, help me to overcome the fear of man and trust in You.
Give me the courage to speak truth and act on my convictions.
Let me be bold in love, firm in faith, and offensive when expressing the truth calls for it.

Amen.