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