Whistles and Tough Calls

Growing Daily

Whistles and Tough Calls

This spring, I traded my hockey stick for a whistle.

After years of playing competitive hockey—crashing into corners and chasing down pucks—I stepped into a completely different role as a referee.

I’ll admit it’s harder than it looks. Everything feels different.

As a ref, you’re dodging the puck instead of chasing it.  You do everything you can to stay out of the way — watching every detail while trying not to be noticed at all.  And the most difficult part?  Making unpopular calls.

It reminds me that doing what’s right often comes with criticism.  Referees rarely hear cheers.  They usually hear complaints, even when they’re making the correct calls.

Christians living in today’s culture can feel the same way.  Doing good doesn’t always earn applause.  Speaking truth will offend people.  Refusing to agree with worldly viewpoints may get us labeled “narrow-minded.” 

Paul understood that tension well. He wrote, “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant” (Galatians 1:10).

We all want to be liked, but faithfulness sometimes means disappointing people in order to honor God. 

Where are you tempted to soften a conviction just to keep the peace?  Ask God for the courage to stand firm — even if the crowd disagrees.


- Ron Reid