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The Missed Penalty Call

The 2018 NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints was an incredible game with a controversial finish.

The game was tied with 1:48 remaining in regulation and the Saints driving to score. On third down from the Rams’ 13-yard line, Rams cornerback, Nickell Robey-Coleman hit Saints receiver, Tommy Lee Lewis while the ball was still in the air and Lewis didn't catch it.

Assumed to be an obvious pass interference by everyone watching, the refs didn’t blow the whistle. The Saints were forced to settle for a field goal, and the Rams eventually won in overtime.

We know that refs make mistakes, but it’s hard to accept when such a clear one to make is omitted. How could they stand there and not do what was right?

But while many were mad at the refs during that game, what if we decided to be more concerned about our own “missed calls” and “omissions” in life?

Just like there’s a difference between the wrong calls refs make and the ones they choose not to call, there's a similarity when we decide to sin.

Sometimes we actively do something wrong, but there's also the sin of omission, which means we pass on doing something right. We know what we’re supposed to do, but we decide not to do anything.

James 4:17 explains, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

Sometimes we decide not to speak up even though we know we should. When we recognize that God has called us to speak in a situation, we need to be obedient no matter what. Failing to do so is a sin of omission.

Today, let’s be reminded of our need for grace for the times we don’t speak up when we should. Let’s choose to be obedient and realize it’s not just about what we do…it also matters what we don’t do.

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for looking the other way when You want me to say something. I confess my sins of omission as I rest in Your grace. Help me to love You and take actions of obedience. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.