“Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Philippians 2:14

Bad Call

“Hey, Ref! That was a bad call. Can’t you see?” “That was a foul! Blow your whistle.” “Travel? I didn’t travel. And I didn’t step out of bounds last time either.”

Have you ever heard comments like that while watching or playing a game? Maybe you’ve said or yelled something similar. While playing in a church league basketball game, I heard those exact words—and more. Every single call was argued, and both sides were growing tense. We were not setting a very good example for those watching, and we certainly were not pleasing God with our actions.

In Philippians 4, God didn’t have Paul say, “Do everything without arguing—except while playing sports because those refs make bad calls.” No. God says do everything without arguing. No exceptions.

The next time you’re watching a game or even playing in one, remember God’s command to do everything without complaining or arguing. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel and how much more fun the game will become.

— CRYSTAL RHODES

(photo credit: Will Folsom)