I'm not only a huge fan of watching the NFL on Sundays, but I also pay close attention to the broadcasters and listen to their analysis, observations, stories, and insight from the booth.
Tony Romo went straight from being a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys to retiring and joining CBS alongside Jim Nantz.
He's been a huge hit during the last three seasons, with fans enjoying his energy and amazing ability to point things out on the field before they happen. He predicts the plays correctly, is very informative, and fans appreciate hearing a fresh voice.
Romo's popularity and skillset as a broadcaster led to CBS re-signing him a few months ago for a reported $17 million per season for at least five more years.
Despite establishing his voice as an NFL analyst so quickly, he had to learn the right approach and tone, and revealed how he did during his initial practice broadcasts:
“The first two games I did, actually some of my bosses there at CBS told me, ‘You know, we don’t need to be quite that harsh,’ so I think that part of it I probably have to find a fine line, because the standard for playing this game is just, it’s high.”
Offering up analysis and critiquing players with just the right balance of honesty and gentleness is something in-game commentators must learn, but Romo appeared to navigate it well.
Fans want to hear the analyst offer insight, point out what goes wrong on a specific play, and call out players who are at fault for unsuccessful drives.
A player like Romo views the game through the lens of a former starting NFL quarterback and has a high standard for how the game should be played.
There is a certain way he must handle what he says and how he says it while remaining humble. However, it's his job to point out what he sees.
Similarly, as followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to call out another believer who isn’t living up to the standard God has set for us.
When we’re doing life with other followers of Jesus, and in fellowship with each other, our job is to understand when and how to make them aware of the mistakes and issues we see from our vantage point.
First, we look inward at our own hearts and lean on God for wisdom, and then we approach others in love and humility. Thankfully, we have each other to build up, practice accountability, and offer our perspective in challenging situations.
We don’t sit up in our “booth” harshly and pridefully blast people behind their backs for their mistakes, but instead, we humbly, honestly, and gently call out fellow believers when we know they’re “calling plays” that won’t end well.
With the right motives, we approach them in a personal way that doesn’t come across like we have all the answers. We represent grace and mercy and expect our friends to do the same for us.
The Bible explains the proper process within the family of God in two different ways:
Galatians 6:1 (NLT) tells us this first approach: “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”
Matthew 18:15-16 (NLT) gives us a second approach: “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.”
Nobody likes to be critiqued or called out, but when it’s done to point each other toward Jesus, blessings will flow from our deep fellowship and accountability with one another.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me pursue relationships that allow for the proper accountability between me and others who follow Jesus. I pray for mutual respect, humility, and openness, and that I would give and receive critiques well. Please teach me to stay rooted in grace and love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is harder for you - receiving critiques or giving critiques?
How would you grow in character by being open to your close friends calling you out?
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