Good Call

It was back to the soccer pitch these last few weeks refereeing junior high games. They are definitely on the "recreation level" of soccer, but they still provide good competition and some good moments. In this league, I've found that I've had to nudge both players and coaches into making better decisions.

A player bends the corner flag to get a better angle on a corner kick. "Sir," I mention. "If you didn't know ... that's now allowed under the laws of the game." Recently, it was "Coach, you sure you want to start this game with only 10 players on the field." He quickly ushered the needed player on to the field.

My eyes fell on an interesting verse - 2 Kings 12:2 (NASB) "Jehoash did right in the sight of the LORD all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him." The boy-king seemed to go along well as long as he allowed himself to be guided by the advice of the wiser, more-experienced counselor. But, it wasn't long before Jehoash was feeling his oats and put his advisor in his place. Later, he embarks on a fruitless battle against the King of Israel, only to drag home with his tail between his legs.

I'm not saying that all advice from those who are older is right or even wise. There's a reason that there's a proverb that says "There's no fool like an old fool." Still, when you've surveyed the landscape for men and women in whom resides the Spirit of God and a gentle, practical wisdom; it would be wise to include them in on your thinking.

Over they years -too many times to count - their insight saved me from some tremendous hurt. Some of those sages are now gone and I am righteously jealous of the few who remain. I want to listen with intent, love, and a view to the future.

2 Kings 10-14