UNPACK This...Courageous CommunicationSample

Blowing The Whistle

Basketball fans may complain about referees but they also know they’re needed. The refs bring order to the game by calling out players who make mistakes and blowing their whistle when the ball goes out of bounds.

Without refs holding players accountable, teams would have difficulty performing at their best. Ideally, refs are unbiased and stick to the standards in place. They’re responsible for keeping their eyes on the players and letting them know when a rule has been broken.

As crazy as it may sound, we also need active “refs” in our lives. As we follow Jesus, having someone “blow the whistle” when we get off track is crucial.

If we want to live a life of obedience and honor God’s Word, having people hold us accountable is extremely valuable.

Unfortunately, many of us push against this concept because we have the wrong perspective on being confronted by others. But if we want to stick to the boundaries God has given us, we will welcome being called out and steered toward the cross of Christ where His grace is found.

The Bible says in Galatians 6:1, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”

As the family of God, we are in this together – helping one another grow and mature, and pursuing a deeper understanding of how to follow Jesus. It takes humility, gentleness, grace, and an awareness of the temptations surrounding us.

None of us have all of the answers, but don’t you feel loved when someone keeps a thoughtful eye on you?

Today, let’s consider our responsibility as a “ref” to others and evaluate our need to have someone “blowing the whistle” in our lives.

Let’s allow trustworthy people to “make the call” when they need to so we can get back on track while resting in God’s grace.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I will have the right perspective on being called out by people I trust. Help me become a humble and grace-filled friend, as I also help others get back on track. Thank you for the grace You always show us. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.