Guarding Your Wisdom Against Interceptors

Guarding Your Wisdom Against Interceptors

Did you know that we all face interceptors on a daily basis? What do I mean by interceptors? Now seems an appropriate time to explain. 

Many years ago, I watched a replay of a football game that took place during the 1982 Big Game between the University of California and Stanford. The Stanford band came onto the field during the kickoff return, believing the game was over. 

This chaotic moment – now called "The Play" – ended with California scoring a winning touchdown through five lateral passes.  

Explanation  

The Golden Bears’ final play began with a fourth-and-17 pass by John Elway, who is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. The pass gained 29 yards and turned the tables on the opponent, but Stanford’s premature celebration backfired when the band flooded the field during Cal’s kickoff return. 

As seen on YouTube - The Play, players weaved through musicians to score, creating what announcer Joe Starkey called "the most amazing, sensational, dramatic, heart-rending... exciting, thrilling finish in the history of college football!".  

The play is immortalized in Tyler Bridges’ book Five Laterals and a Trombone. Though the final lateral remains controversial, one truth endures: five players became interceptors – not by stealing the ball, but by relentlessly advancing it through chaos.  

A Christian Perspective  

We are running a race, as the Bible says. When we fumble and face struggles – whether from circumstances or people who’ve wronged us – these become interceptors for the enemy. Yet God raises His own interceptors: those who seek you out, walk with you, pray for you, and encourage you to finish your race.  

It takes wisdom to distinguish these forces. Guard that wisdom fiercely. Through it, you’ll avoid leaning on your own understanding, acknowledge God, and let Him direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Even as you pursue wisdom, be mindful of interceptors—forces that attempt to block or distort the gift God has given you. These can take many forms:

• - Worldly Distractions: Materialism, busyness, politics or societal pressures that pull you away from godly priorities.

• - Negative Influences: People or situations that encourage foolishness or lead you away from truth.

• - Self-Doubt: Internal struggles that make you second-guess what God has revealed.

• To guard your wisdom: - Stay rooted in Scripture and prayer (Psalm 32:8). Prize wisdom highly—treat it as more valuable than any possession (Proverbs 4:7).

Trust God’s guidance even when others question your choices.

As Proverbs 4:7 teaches, “Whatever you get, get understanding.” Don’t let anyone intercept the divine gift of wisdom in your life. 

Reflect on this question: How can I protect and share the wisdom God has entrusted to me?