I enjoy watching the best basketball players in the world compete in the NBA Playoffs, but there is one element of the game that is annoying – continuous complaints from players to refs.
Players seem to have an issue with every call, and rarely acknowledge their wrongdoing. They are incredulous when refs call a foul against them and pout and whine when calls don’t go their way.
Jeff Van Gundy, former coach and current TV analyst, has been very vocal about his concerns regarding this situation. He is especially frustrated that players dispute blatant calls which shouldn’t be challenged, and thinks referees should carry a flag to eject players from the game when they do.
Overall, I think he’s onto something and I agree with his assessment that it’s “the absurdity of every play complaints.”
When I think about players being dramatic and emotional after every play, I can’t help but wonder if we have similar behavior in our own lives.
Do we have a bent toward complaining and whining every day? Are we always looking for something to be upset about in our circumstances?
We can easily slip into a mindset of not owning our mistakes...or pouting and whining when things don’t go our way and people don’t live up to our unrealistic expectations.
It’s understandable when players take refs aside to reasonably discuss missed calls, but it’s outrageous when they find fault on every play.
Likewise, we should fight for what is right in life, but not spend our days complaining about every issue that arises.
As followers of Jesus, we need to look at every day as a gift from God and as an opportunity to bring Him glory. Instead of whining at every turn, we should be filled with love and grace, and desire to stand out with a joyful and thankful attitude.
The Bible says in Philippians 2:14 (NLT), “Do everything without complaining and arguing…”
Players hold themselves back from making a difference on the next play when they pout over calls made by refs. We fall into the same trap by holding on to things that don’t go our way and spending time being upset over them.
Today, let’s be encouraged to see things through a different lens. Instead of regularly getting caught up in “the absurdity of everyday complaints,” let’s be filled with hope, joy, and thankfulness…and truly embrace having a positive attitude.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for my daily complaints and for whining about the things that don’t go my way. I pray I would be less selfish and prideful. I ask that You would fill me with thankfulness and joy, even when I don’t get what I think I want or deserve. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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