Written by Dynamis Ministries | February 20, 2025
Many characteristics make American culture unique. One of them is our obsession with sports. For proof, just look at how youth sports alone is estimated to be at least a $30 billion industry in the US. Or consider how sports figures, from the best professional teams all the way down to a local high school, are some of the most recognizable people in society. Sports have even revolutionized fashion and pop culture (any sneakerheads out there?) In fact, whether or not you play sports yourself or even consider yourself a fan, chances are you’re familiar with sports metaphors in our common everyday language:
“I really dropped the ball on that one.”
Translation: I made a mistake.
“This business deal is a slam dunk.”
Translation: It’s a sure thing.
“That news came out of left field.”
Translation: It was unexpected.
There are countless others, but here’s one that’s lesser known yet really important:
IF YOU’RE NOT IN THE HUDDLE, YOU DON’T KNOW THE PLAY.
Let’s unpack this one. The translation is, “Don’t judge; leave room for grace instead.” Chances are, many of us interact with others on a daily basis who may do something that frustrates us. Sometimes, it’s simply the people we cross paths with who look or act differently, which triggers judgmental thoughts or opinions about them. But how many times do we pass judgment on someone without fully knowing their story or situation? Probably a lot. We may observe someone acting out a certain way and draw our own conclusions about why that is but never be aware that their behavior could be the result of something deeper under the surface, like maybe they are hurting from a broken relationship, coping with a traumatic past or going through a difficult life season.
Too often, we see the outward actions of others (THE PLAY) without understanding their story or individual situation (THE HUDDLE). If we want to be more like Jesus, we need to leave more room for grace in the assumptions we create about others by considering their story and life situation. Better yet, take a step into their story with them. When we get to know a person’s story more clearly, chances are we’ll realize that some of our judgments were misguided. What’s more, not only can we put ourselves in a position to be a helper, but by doing so, we can make room to share the love of Jesus. After all, that’s exactly what Jesus did with us; he loved us enough to step inside our huddle and see who we truly are, and he loved us anyway!
