Sometime ago, I was watching a football match with my daughter when she asked; “Why is that man on yellow not playing the ball? He’s just running around without touching the ball.” Laughing gently, I responded; “He’s the referee. He’s not supposed to play but to judge between the teams as they play.” She got the explanation, but I also got a lesson.
Friend, in life, you cannot afford to be a referee or a fan. You must be a player. Don’t just be running here and there, minding other people’s business without facing your own life and destiny. You have not been called to intermeddle in the affairs of others but to do your own destiny (Luke 12:13-14). There is no such calling as the calling of a commentator or critic (Romans 14:4, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, James 4:11).
One proof that you have left your own calling is when you start getting bothered about what others are doing or not doing. Critics are visionless people who have taken it upon themselves to criticise what others are doing. If you stay focused on your own calling, you would not have time to look for faults in others (1 Corinthians 7:20).
You are not more like the devil than when you run helter skelter with no purpose or direction (Job 1:6-7). You need to get a vision. You need to get a life. You need to face your front. You cannot afford to be running and sweating like the referee in a football match without scoring a goal. Worst still, you cannot afford to be a spectator or fan. Fans don’t win medals. Players do.
Perhaps you have an assignment on your hands but are getting bothered that others are doing nothing (John 21:15-22). Don’t get distracted. Destiny is unique. What God asks you to do would be different from others. Seasons are also different. Don’t compare yourself with others (2 Corinthians 10:12). Follow Jesus and face your unique calling.
Stop blaming others for your frustration and unproductive living (SoS 1:6). Life is a choice. Success and advancement are dependent on personal choices. Don’t be a busybody on other people’s matters (2 Thessalonians 3:11, 1 Timothy 5:13). Rather than getting bothered by the inactivity of others, let your life inspire them to peak performance (Matthew 5:16). Live purposefully.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria