There were some marquee matchups on Sunday in the NFL, but the Chiefs and Bills’ game created the most controversy afterward.

It was a tight AFC battle and with 1:25 left in the 4th, the Cheifs had the ball down 17-20 needing 49 yards for a touchdown.

The Chiefs put together an amazing play where quarterback, Patrick Mahomes threw the ball to tight end, Travis Kelce down the field for a catch, but then he quickly threw it five yards backward to wide receiver, Kadarius Toney who then ran 25 yards into the end zone for the touchdown.

It was unbelievable, creative, and exciting until everyone realized there was a flag on the play. Toney was penalized for being offside and not lining up behind the ball.

The Chiefs were furious that the call was made (especially at that point in the game) and believed the refs should have told Toney he was lined up in the neutral zone before the snap.

Unfortunately, Toney was too far past the line and didn’t appear to look at the ref to make sure he was where he needed to be.

Following the game, the ref, Carl Cheffers said, “Yes, ultimately, if they looked for alignment advice, certainly we are going to give it to them.” 

Toney could have avoided the penalty, and been a hero for scoring a touchdown on the play, but instead, he cost his team by not making sure he was properly aligned.

All Toney had to do was turn to the ref and he would have told him he was crossing the line.

It’s too bad such an avoidable penalty overshadowed the game, but I believe there’s an important parallel for us to consider when it comes to our own lives.

Here are some questions for us to consider today:

Do we desire to be aligned with God’s will?

Before we “run down the field,” are we looking to God to make sure we’re lined up properly?

Do we know God’s Word so we can discern whether or not we’re crossing the line?

Ephesians 5:15-17 (AMP) says, “Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil. Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.”

Just like the ref was willing to give “alignment advice” if Toney looked for it, God is willing to give us “alignment advice” when we look to Him. He doesn’t want us to cross the line into sin but to remain where we need to be…right in His will.

We must turn to God and pray Psalm 143:10 (NLT): “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.”

There are times we can score an “amazing touchdown,” but if we “cross the line” along the way, it’s not going to stand for long.

So today, let’s avoid being “offside” and properly align ourselves with God and His Word as we ask Him to, “Guide my steps by Your Word, so I will not be overcome by evil” (Psalm 119:133; NLT).

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to do Your will and remain in proper alignment with You. I pray that I will continue to know Your Word more and follow wherever You guide me. Help me not to cross the line or try and get ahead of You in any way, but rather stay lined up with Your plan. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.