“So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity.  This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other.  If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.”– 1 Corinthians 12:24-26What more liberating experience is there than to feel whole, purposeful and in sync?

“Do unto others whatever you would like them to do unto you.  This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”– Matthew 7:12This is my team!  It is composed of people like me—we make it what it is.

“Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creativebest you can with your own life.– Galatians 6:5 (The Message)As coaches, we are always talking to our players about responsibility.  We demand that they be responsible for getting to practice on time.  We expect them to be responsible for keeping up with their own equipment. We warn them to be responsible for their actions off the playing field or court.

“….let your good deeds shine out for all to see,so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.– Matthew 5:16 (New Living Translation)Each one of us can recite the names of coaches who have had an impact on our lives.  The men and women on my list believed in me and instilled a confidence in me to attempt things I didn’t think I was capable of.  How about you?  Who would be on your Mt.

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives."Psalm 37:23 (New Living Translation)Coaches spend hours working with their athletes developing correct footwork.  We realize than any skill, regardless of how simple or obvious it seems, has to be taught and practiced on a consistent basis.  Wise coaches know that teaching correct footwork can be the difference between winning and losing.

“Love the Lord your God, walk in his ways, obeyhis commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”– Joshua 22:5 (New Living Translation)How many times do we see athletes who have all the physical tools fail to live up to their potential?  Why do some athletes with everything going for them so often miss the mark while those with limited ability bring home the prize?  What’s the missing ingredient—Heart!Time and time agai...

“Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty.”– Proverbs 14:23 (New Living Translation)What does it take to be great?  Is there one secret that allowed Ted Williams to become baseball’s greatest hitter?  What was it that allowed Hank Aaron to be the most consistent home run hitter of his era?  Did Nolan Ryan, the record holder for career strikeouts, know something that other pitchers didn’t?

“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ as I have been in the past.  And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ whether I live or die.  For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”– Philippians 1:20-21 (New Living Translation)Expectations.

“We are confident that as you share our sufferings,you will also share in the comfort God gives us.”– 2 Corinthians 1:7There are times in our lives when we are tempted to lose hope.  No one is immune.  Sometimes life kicks us in the gut and we want to scream those words coaches hate to hear, “I quit!”  In times like these, it’s easy to just pack it up and retreat into a world of self-pity and hopelessness.  What’s the use?

“The father of godly children has cause for joy.What a pleasure to have children who are wise.”– Proverbs 23:24I am the father of two fine sons.  When the youngest left home for college, my wife and I entered a new phase in our lives.  The “empty nest” was a reality and I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss them.  After years of adjusting schedules, attending ball games and constant “action”, it was quiet.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.– Colossians 3:12Influence.  As coaches we have it.  The critical question that each of us must answer is, “How are we using it?”  I ran across an article recently titled, “Encouraging Coaches”, which recognized several coaches who have had a lasting influence on their athletes.

“No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again.