Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga is one of the best and most expensive goalkeepers in the world. On Sunday, when his team took on Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, he became the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.

With the score tied and heading to a penalty shootout, Kepa appeared to be cramping. His manager, Mauricio Sarri, motioned for him to come out of the game, but he refused.

From the sideline, Sarri was adamant that Kepa needed to get off the pitch, but he vehemently denied his coach’s request and remained in goal.

We know athletes want to keep playing even if they’re injured, but coaches are given authority to make decisions based on what’s best for the team. This turned out to be blatant disobedience, stubbornness, and defiance by Kepa as he didn’t do what his manager asked him to do.

Kepa stayed in and his team ended up losing in the shootout. Afterward, he was fined $256,000 for his refusal to be substituted and for being insubordinate.

Although Kepa apologized, this situation could have been avoided if he had followed the instructions of his manager.

Maybe our defiant actions aren’t as blatantly demonstrative as Kepa’s were on Sunday, but don’t we all display stubborn behavior at times – whether it’s with our bosses, spouses, friends or other authoritative figures?

Aren’t we also guilty of disobedience toward God’s Word and His instructions for our lives? We say He knows best, but then allow our pride to cause us to be insubordinate because we want to “stay on the pitch.” We get caught up in the moment and wave off His command.

Jesus makes it clear, however, that “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15 – ESV).

He also asks in Luke 6:46 (ESV), “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

Of course, by refusing to follow the Lord’s lead and responding with a “no” when He clearly asks us to do something, we end up losing and suffering the consequences for our poor decision.

We’re better off choosing obedience and trusting that God’s way is better than ours because like God told Job in the Bible, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much” (Job 38:4 – NLT).

Today, let’s be wise and listen to God…the all-knowing and all-powerful creator. Let’s stop being so stubborn and prideful and remember, “Whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof and correction is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1 – AMP).

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for being so foolish and choosing to disregard Your instructions. I know Your way is best and I desire to remain in Your will. Please give me the strength to follow You, even when it doesn’t totally make sense from my perspective. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.