As the NFL and college football playoffs draw near, the intensity continues to rise as every play matters more, turnovers become more costly, and penalties destroy drives that alter the outcomes of games. The teams that usually lose these pivotal matchups are the ones who have mental errors and self-inflicted wounds and make foolish mistakes.
On Sunday in the NFL, the 49ers were blown out by the Packers, thanks to nine penalties and three turnovers. The Lions dominated the Colts, partly due to eight foolish penalties. Meanwhile, the Cardinals were embarrassed by their sloppy performance, especially when their quarterback Kyler Murray threw an inexplicable interception that was returned for a Seahawks touchdown.
Of course, the teams that win are the ones that can make the right decisions throughout the game, especially during crunch time, and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
The difference in these games also frequently comes down to coaching. The coaches who are the most wise down the stretch and call the right plays lead their teams to critical wins. On the flip side, we have seen poor coaching regarding clock management and foolish decisions made during tight games.
As fans, we watch our favorite teams, and players make decisions all game long and are incredibly grateful when they make wise choices and avoid the self-inflicted wounds.
It’s evident who the wisest players and coaches are, and they are that way for a reason. They value preparation, have learned from experience, study their opponent, remain humble, properly fear losing, and respond well in crucial moments.
Like players and coaches, we make choices that are either wise or foolish every day.
As thankful as we are to root for a football team that operates with wisdom, as followers of Jesus, we can be extremely grateful for the wisdom that helps us make the right decisions.
James 1:5 (AMP) says, “If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.”
Proverbs 2:6 (ESV) states, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
What a wonderful gift it is to have access to wisdom that God freely gives and leads to making decisions “down the stretch” that result in wins.
So, are we seeking wisdom and asking God for wisdom? Are we relying on His guidance to avoid mental errors, foolish mistakes, and self-inflicted wounds?
Are we gaining wisdom by valuing preparation, learning from our experience, studying our opponent, remaining humble, and properly fearing the Lord?
Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Today, let’s revere and respect the Lord and look to Him and His word for wisdom. When we do, we’ll make wise decisions instead of foolish ones, and we’ll be grateful that we avoided the “penalties” and “turnovers.”
In light of Thanksgiving, it’s also wise to always be thankful and to encourage one another in wisdom as Colossians 3:16 (ESV) implores us to “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray you will give me the wisdom to make the right decisions. I pray you will help me avoid foolish mistakes, self-inflicted wounds, and mental errors. I thank you for your grace when I do something unwise. Please fill my heart with gratitude for the wisdom You’ve generously given me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.