Why Not Me?

Related Scripture:

“You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” - James 4:2

“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” – Romans 12:15-16

Have you ever wanted a game assignment (regular season or postseason) and that assignment was given to someone else?  For many people, the first response is to blame the people who failed to give you what you wanted.  Those people would likely be your assignor or the state association or conference that gives playoff assignments. The second response for some people is to harbor negative thoughts about those who got the assignment you wanted.  I have heard of officials who hoped those people would not do well and openly stated that. Those harbored thoughts are what the Bible calls “coveting.”  Some Bible verses that address the sin of coveting seem to focus on material possessions. However, the Hebrew word for coveting is more generally defined as “setting your heart on what is not yours.”  Those self-centered desires can be focused on what another person has or on what they are experiencing. The Apostle James wrote about that and wanted his readers to ask God to help them overcome the sin of coveting and not to ask God to give them what they wanted.

So, how can officials deal with that sin in the somewhat competitive atmosphere of officiating?  The Apostle Paul described a process in Romans that is a great antidote to coveting what others are experiencing.  Sometimes it is easier to be sympathetic toward other officials who are having difficulties than it is to be happy about their successes.  Officials who follow Jesus need to channel their pride about officiating success into the hard work needed to get better.  We can’t let our pride create barriers to the harmony we need to have with other officials.  After all, we are a fellowship of Christian officials.

Questions to Ponder:

Am I willing put my ego aside to support other officials in their times of success and times of trouble?

Ralph Swearngin - (Former GHSA Executive Director & Current FCO Advisory Committee Member)