“I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk
worthy of the calling you have received.”
– Ephesians 4:1

“I have come to a frightening realization. I am the decisive element on the field, court of track. It is my personal approach that creates the climate for learning and personal performance. It is my daily mood that makes the weather bright or dreary. As a coach, I possess tremendous power to make my athletes’ lives miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture, or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate…or humor, hurt…or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether the experience of sport is positive or negative and whether my athletes gain or lose self-esteem.” This adaptation of a quote by psychologist and teacher, Dr. Hiam Ginott, should speak to our hearts as coaches. To be called “Coach” gives us an amazing opportunity to influence and impact others. What we do with that opportunity is up to us.

The Apostle Paul challenges us to walk in such a way that is worthy of our calling. As a follower of Christ, we are held to a different standard. It is not the world’s demands that we listen to, but the voice of Jesus Christ. The world wants us to focus on championships, rings, and individual awards. Jesus calls us to focus on serving, encouraging, and leading. What does your walk look like? Here are a few questions we need to ask ourselves: (1) Why do I coach? (2) Why do I coach the way that I do? (3) What is it like to be coached by me? (4) How do I define and measure success? These are tough but important questions. The answers help us understand whether we are walking to please the world or to honor Jesus.

Heavenly Father, teach me to live a life worthy of your call. Thank you for creating me to serve you as a Christian coach. Guide me and direct my walk with you as I strive to make a positive impact of the lives of those you have called me to serve. Amen.