Right vs Popular

 Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”

The following devotion was obtained from Mickey Carroll—FCO (Fellowship Christian Officials Chaplain):

In Acts 5, the Apostles faced persecution and hostile environments for following God’s will and purpose. Although not as life-threatening as what the Apostles faced, officials often face hostile environments. Every official knows that moment. You see the play, make the call, and suddenly the stadium or gym erupts. The crowd is on its feet, the coach is upset, and you've instantly become the least popular person or crew. In Acts 5, the apostles faced something far more serious than criticism from a crowd. They were being persecuted and commanded by the religious authorities to stop teaching about Jesus. Their response was simple, courageous, and direct:

“We must obey God rather than human beings!”

Faithfulness sometimes means doing what is right even when others don’t like it. The apostles were punished for their obedience, yet Scripture says they left rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. There’s a lesson there for us:

As officials, we understand that the right call isn't always the popular call. Integrity isn't measured by applause. Integrity means getting the call right, not getting the call popular.

A good official doesn’t ask, “What will the crowd think?” rather “What actually happened?” We are responsible for faithfully applying the rules, not satisfying the loudest voices in the stadium.

Acts 5 gives us three reminders:

1. We answer to a higher authority.
The rulebook governs the game. God’s Word governs our lives.

2. Faithfulness may cost us something.
Following Christ may cost us approval, comfort, opportunities, or popularity. But obedience is worth the cost.

3. Faithfulness is an honor.
The apostles didn’t rejoice because suffering was enjoyable. They rejoiced because they had remained faithful to Christ.

Don’t officiate for the crowd and don’t live for the crowd either. Make the right call. Stand firm when it isn’t popular. Trust the One who sees it all. And count it a privilege to live faithfully for Jesus.

PRAYER:

“Lord, we pray for boldness, just as the early church did. Give us the courage to obey You rather than people. Help us make the right call on the field and in life, even when it isn’t popular. Give us the courage to stand firm and the joy that comes from being faithful to Your name. Amen.”