When the Spirit Throws a Flag

Growing Daily

When the Spirit Throws a Flag

I always laugh when I see NFL players who know full well they’ve committed pass interference throw out their arms as if to say, “Nothing to see here! My hands were nowhere near that other player!”

After the flag is thrown, they rush over to the referee to plead their case. Their wildly gesticulating hand motions never convince the ref that there was no foul. In fact, their attempts at self-justification sometimes lead to additional penalties.

It’s easy to see the absurdity on the field. It’s harder to admit that I sometimes do the same thing with God. Instead of responding soberly to that whisper of conviction, I begin to justify thoughtless words, selfish responses, or little dishonesties. When I do, I look as foolish as those football players whose frantic attempts to defend themselves can’t change what happened on the field.

Instead, when the Holy Spirit throws a flag, I should just stop. He’s not an angry referee trying to eject me (Romans 8:1). He’s a loving coach trying to keep me in the game (Hebrews 12:6). I may not yet fully understand where I transgressed, but it is not for me to plead my case. I already have an Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). I just need to respond more humbly and fully to the coaching.

“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)


- Catherine Reid