The Danger of Crossing the Line

Last night as I was watching a college basketball game, an interesting call was made by the referee. One team had made a series of shots and clearly had the momentum on their side when their coach called time out. In the excitement of the moment one of the players came off the bench to congratulate his teammates who were on the court. In his excitement, he did not realize he had crossed the half court line and was now in the opposing team's space - the result; a technical foul was called on the bench.

In our culture we use the term "Crossing the Line" as a phrase to describe a person participating in inappropriate behavior. When the young man crossed the line in the game, I began to wonder how many times people "cross the line" on a daily basis which leads to disastrous results.

Everyday people cross the line by making poor decisions, participating in inappropriate activity or by pursuing unhealthy desires. In basketball crossing the line resulted in a  technical foul; 1 free throw and possession of the ball for the opposing team. This is not too serious, but crossing the line in life can lead to damaged relationships, unhealthy habits or a stained reputation. Crossing the line in life always carries with it dangerous consequences. 

How do we make sure we do not cross the line in the game of life? The shepherd king, David gives us a few suggestions in Psalm 24...

¹ The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
   the world, and all who live in it;
² for he founded it on the seas
   and established it on the waters.
³ Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?
   Who may stand in his holy place?
⁴ The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
   who does not trust in an idol
   or swear by a false god.
⁵ They will receive blessing from the LORD
   and vindication from God their Savior.
⁶ Such is the generation of those who seek him,
   who seek your face, God of Jacob.
⁷ Lift up your heads, you gates;
   be lifted up, you ancient doors,
   that the King of glory may come in.
⁸ Who is this King of glory?
   The LORD strong and mighty,
   the LORD mighty in battle.
⁹ Lift up your heads, you gates;
   lift them up, you ancient doors,
   that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰ Who is he, this King of glory?
   The LORD Almighty—
   he is the King of glory. 

1. Verse 1 reminds us to be mindful of God's ownership in our life, we are simply managers of what we posses. One day there will be an accounting of what have we done with what God has given us. This includes our time talents and treasures. When I realize I am a manager, I am likely more willing to make decisions with accountability in mind.
2. Verse 4 focuses on our motives, are you a person with clean hands and a pure heart? When you you choose to participate in an activity do you have the noblest intentions in mind? Unfortunately when our motives are impure, we are more than likely to cross the line and participate in inappropriate activity.
3. Verses 6-9 points us to worship God by seeking his will and his ways. Godly activity will never lead us to crossing the line of making poor decisions, participating in inappropriate activity or by pursuing unhealthy desires. When we worship things that are not godly we do find ourselves getting close to a line that is dangerous. David understood this too well. He crossed the line with Bathsheba and paid for it dearly.

As we live out of faith this week may we make it a point to see the line clearly and be mindful that when we get too close, we quickly back away, for the consequences of crossing the line are more then a technical foul they are disastrous.