Being Foolish Can Cause Problems

BEING FOOLISH CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS in life and in sports. In the 1987 NFL playoffs, the New York Jets paid the price for an unwise—and easily avoided—penalty.

Despite a lackluster offensive performance, the Jets led the Cleveland Browns 20–10 with just over four minutes remaining in the game. The situation appeared hopeless for the Browns. Cleveland quarterback Bernie Kosar faced second-and-24 at the Browns 18-yard line, and a fierce pass rush forced an incompletion. But Jets defensive lineman Mark Gastineau blasted Kosar after he released the ball, and the referee penalized New York for roughing the passer.

Given new life, the Browns signal caller completed six of nine passes on the drive, and Kevin Mack scored from a yard away with just under two minutes to play, making the score 20–17.

Less than a minute later, Cleveland forced a New York punt and took over on its own 33.

A penalty and a 37-yard completion took the Browns to the New York 15, and Mark Moseley kicked a 22-yard field goal with seven ticks on the clock, tying the game 20–20. Both teams struggled in overtime with neither squad scoring in the first 15-minute period.

In the second overtime, Cleveland worked its ground game and moved the ball to the Jets 9-yard line. The Browns called on Moseley again, and his boot sailed true for a 23–20 victory in a game that lasted four hours and five minutes.

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POINT Television commentators pointed to Mark Gastineau’s penalty as the turning point in the game. Early in their football careers, all defensive linemen are taught not to hit the quarterback after he gets rid of the ball. Had Gastineau followed the rules and his coach’s instruction, his team would likely have won the game. And this wasn’t an ordinary game. This was the playoffs.

In the Bible, Paul encourages believers in Jesus not to act foolishly. Instead, we should understand what God wants us to do—and then do it. Foolishness almost always has negative consequences. Following God’s will for your life also has consequences, but they are pretty great ones . . . like peace and joy.

GOAL! Think of a time when you did something or saw something foolish at an athletic contest. What were the consequences? God is ready to help you be wise in all that you do. You just have to ask for his help.