So this World Cup has definitely been the World Cup of Penalties! A penalty happens when a foul is committed against the opposing team inside of your own Penalty Box. The penalty Box is also called the danger area and everybody pretty much knows that you do not commit fouls in this box! But if a player is actually fouled in this area, they get the opportunity to face the goalkeeper from about 12 yards away. Therefore, the penalty box demands a certain level of respect and carefulness.
Colossians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge!
There are some things that many persons have gone through that have caused them to sin. They committed offences against others and at other times, they may have even sinned against God. But once we are forgiven and overcome, Paul describes a certain level of emotion that this produces. With the added knowledge of this situation and its consequences, there is now a carefulness and a passion to ensure that this thing never happens again.
So if you have ever been in a situation that caused you a penalty or a failure, don’t despise your experiences. Allow it to produce the righteous emotions of Christ that will cause you to ensure that this never happens to you every again.