It’s Over—Now What?

Related Scripture:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33

Last week, as the game clock struck 0:00 in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, CA, I noticed the officials walking off the field and I thought, “that’s it, it’s over.”  In the blink of an eye, those officials had accomplished a goal they had worked their entire lives to achieve — an on-field assignment in the Super Bowl, the pinnacle of football officiating. But now the game was finished.  I couldn’t help but wonder how they felt in the locker room afterward. Were they mentally exhausted? Relieved that it was finally over? Exhilarated by a job well done? Or perhaps they felt a sense of letdown, thinking, just like that, it’s over —now what?

Many officials reading this devotional have likely experienced their own version of a Super Bowl – they’ve worked a state championship, a conference championship, or an elite bowl game. Some may have worked multiple championships. Each represents the achievement of a goal that took years of dedication, sacrifice, and preparation. And still other officials are working toward their goal of working a championship or trying to move up to the next level in officiating.  Setting goals in officiating is important. Whether someone has officiated for 25 years or is just starting out, striving toward a goal helps bring out the best in us. Goals motivate growth, discipline, and excellence. However, we must always keep officiating goals in proper perspective, never losing sight of the most important goal of all: to live each day to glorify God.

The Apostle Paul repeatedly reminds us to focus on eternity. He encourages us to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God” (Philippians 3:14), to “run in such a way as to obtain the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24), and to finish the race in anticipation of receiving the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7–8). Paul also reminds us that while earthly achievements fade, we are training for an eternal prize that will last forever (1 Corinthians 9:25).  As you strive to accomplish your goals in officiating, don’t lose sight of the far greater goals — those that are not of this world. Seek first God’s kingdom, and trust that everything else will fall into its proper place.

Questions to Ponder:

1- Do you have the right perspective when it comes to your officiating goals?

Tom Skinner - Snellville, Georgia - (Lanier Football Officials Association & FCO Board Member)