“The slacker craves, yet has nothing,
but the diligent is fully satisfied.”
– Proverbs 13:4

Two talented quarterbacks, each very capable of leading our team. Deciding which one would start, in our season opener, was an easy decision for me to make. Jake was tall, athletic and a gifted runner. Ty was smaller, not as talented, but could throw the ball well. What separated Jake and Ty, was their approach to the game. Jake was always late getting dressed and onto the practice field. He would take plays off during practice and loaf during conditioning. It was obvious to our coaches, and to Jake’s teammates, that he was lazy. Ty, on the other hand, was always on time; he always gave his best effort; and it was exciting to see him improve with each practice. With Ty leading our team, we not only won our first game, we went on to an undefeated season.

Laziness is not a new condition to mankind. King Solomon addressed the problem head on in his day. Lazy people want everything; yet get nothing; because they give very little. Energetic people want to achieve; usually have success; because they give maximum effort. King Solomon is telling us that we can’t allow our athletes to get away with being lazy.  John O’Sullivan, former professional soccer player and founder of the Changing the Game Project, says, “It is our responsibility as coaches to teach kids to be humble, to be hungry, and to be great teammates. It amazes me how many coaches ignore this responsibility because a player’s talent might lead to a win.” Coaches are teachers—let’s teach lessons that reward hard work!

Heavenly Father, help me today to give my best effort. Give me the courage to challenge my players to also give their best, not only on the field or court, but in life. Amen.