Why I Referee at Upward Sports

Let me tell you why I referee at Upward.  

1. I love basketball.  
2. I love children.
3. I want to make a difference. 
4. I want to be useful to God.  

Let me tell you what I do not referee for .... 

1. The glory. 
2. The praise. 
3. The adulation. 
4. The easy life.

How can God take a basketball (football, soccer ball, or cheerleading) and use it for His glory?  In Romans 8:28, the Bible says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Therefore if we believe the Bible then we can see that God would use whatever means necessary to bring glory to His name.  

Being a Referee or a Coach is an honor.  I get so excited to see their faces light up at the line up time.  While I am getting them in line, ready for their names to be called, they giggle, laugh, and generally behave like little kids.  

"And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." -- Matthew 18:3-4

Once I have the kids lined up, we start the music.  We use this really cool song called the Zombie Mix.  As soon as it starts, the kids start getting pumped up.  The parents get on their feet, and cheer, and the whole crowd is cheering.  The cheerleaders are called first, they set up a tunnel for the ball players.  One by one I call their names.  They run out with their hands raised and are all hyped up.  They circle up and you will hear them chanting their team names, and getting psyched out.  Then we gather and pray.  

To see them kneel before God, and to bow their heads and ask God to bless their game, priceless.  

That is just the beginning.  As a referee I get to teach these kids about basketball.  About Jesus.  About what it means to be a good sport.  I love my job.  

It's just .... why can I not get others to help?  I am sure it is not because they do not love children.  Or Jesus.  Or even basketball.  I know that Saturdays are precious.  I know that you have worked all week.  I know you are tired.  But so am I.  

These children need you.  They need to learn about God.  They need to see it in action.  Jesus died for us and commanded that we die to ourselves.  

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" -- Matthew 6:33

As a referee I AM seeking the kingdom, and adding to it's numbers.  Please join me.