Why You Officiate? Self-Examination During Lent

Related Scripture:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” - Colossians 3:23

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” - James 4:6

A popular Christian app I’m listening to this Lent offers an interesting challenge during the season. As of Christ: Empty me. Fill me. Use me.

During the first few seasons of my officiating career, I suffered from imposter syndrome, questioned my mastery of the rules and mechanics, and let coaches get under my skin. My priorities were wrong. I was officiating in a prideful way for myself, focused on “moving up” and obsessed with not making any mistakes. This changed when I made the conscious decision to officiate to serve God.  Instead of asking, “How did I look?” or “Did I nail every call?” I began asking, “Did I serve the Lord well?” The difference was freeing. When I step onto the field now, my prayer is quieter but far stronger: empty me of ego, fill me with clarity and calm, and use me to bring order and fairness to the game. Mistakes still happen, but they no longer define me. Faithfulness does.

Scripture reminds us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). And when pressure rises, I remember: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).  I still prepare diligently, study the rules and mechanics, and strive for excellence. But the burden is lighter because the purpose is higher. Each whistle is now an opportunity—not to prove myself—but to serve with integrity, humility, and quiet confidence in the One who called me.

Questions to Ponder:

Consider this Lenten season - how you will change in the upcoming season to focus your attention more on the Lord and not on yourself?

Dan Munroe - Simsbury, Connecticut