For most of us, that phrase conjures up images like the picture above. To say it’s an imaginary line crossing the width of a football field is accurate, yet not adequate. It is the very thin line separating opposing forces attempting to enforce their will upon one another.
This line is not fixed, but fluctuates back and forth on the field between the end zones as the forces come against one another multiple times throughout a set period of time which we call a game. Wherever that line is ruled to be located by the officials, it becomes the stage for the next epic battle. If the forces do not protect their side of the line, the line of scrimmage will surely be moved in a negative manner.
The other night I was getting jacked up on double espressos with my friend Jim. We talked about how harmless distractions in our lives can create such battlegrounds. For me, it’s the dumb phone apps which steal my time, leading to wasted outcomes…I wish my clan (Clash of Clans) was more successful. If you don’t get it, don’t worry…It’s a stupid game.
Moving on here, some nights, it’s Netflix because I can binge watch TV episodes. Are Netflix or phone apps evil? Hardly! But the outcome of not acknowledging there has become a “line of scrimmage” of sorts in my life surrounding these time wasters, is that I don’t show up on my side to defend all that’s important to me on my side of the ball.
Another consequence is that if I’m unwilling to acknowledge a line of scrimmage where a battle is about to take place, in my life, in my marriage, within my family, or within my sphere of influence, I fail to put myself in position to defend the line, and therefore fail to create an opportunity to take the ball back and go on the offensive.
Rarely do we see a team on the defense scoring…..although it does happen from time to time. For it to happen though, that team has to acknowledge there is a line of scrimmage…..and there is a battle to prepare for at that point on the field. But realizing it is just not good enough either. We must be prepared for that moment and be wise to anticipate all that our opponent could throw at us… And finally, we must show up at that line and prepare to defend it with all we are made of.
So what about you…where is the line of scrimmage on your field? Is it in the area of health? Is the battleground somewhere involving relationships? What about greater callings in your heart…dreams that have sat on the sideline for so long you haven’t even bothered to suit them up in their uniforms for months or years?
Warning! A final preachy thought here: There is always a spiritual side driving the metaphors that come wandering into my head, and I will tell you this, you can chose to not acknowledge that spiritual line of scrimmage in your life…you have that choice. But your opponent will not honor your decision. He will line up on his side of the line and as the play clock winds down, the ball will get snapped, and if you’re not there at that line of scrimmage to compete, the chains will get moved…and you will find yourself losing ground.
Here endith the preaching.