“Take on an entirely new way of life—a  God fashioned life, a life
renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as
God accurately reproduces his character in you.”
– Ephesians 4:23-24 (The Message)

There is an ongoing debate in our nation today about the issue of leadership and character. In the realm of politics, it sometimes appears that if polls and the economy are good, then character doesn’t really matter. As coaches however, most of us adhere to the idea that good character is essential to good leadership. The debate is real, so what’s the answer? Speaking at a conference, former Oklahoma congressman J.C. Watts asked his audience some interesting questions. “How many of you wives think the character of your husband is important?” Every hand in the room went up. Then he asked, “How many of you husbands think the character of your wife is important?” Again, one hundred percent of the hands were raised. “Then tell me the character of our leaders is not important!” Watts said. “You can no more have leadership without character than you can have water without the wet.”

When we decide to live our lives for Jesus, we don’t become perfect, but we do become changed. Our old way of life is completely in the past. As believers, we are transformed and take on a new nature. We put our old ways behind us like old clothes to be thrown away. When we decide to accept Christ’s gift of salvation, it is both a one-time decision, as well as a daily commitment. We are not to be driven by desire and impulse. We put on a new nature, head in a new direction, and have a new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives. Being men and women of good character is a key ingredient of this glorious transformation.

Heavenly Father, thank you for changing my life. Thank you for the opportunity to positively impact lives. Help me to embrace this challenge today and to be a coach of character. Amen.