“In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized.

Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and soul. – Joshua 22:5 (New Living Bible) How many times do we see athletes with all the physical tools fail to live up to their potential? Why does the athlete with everything going for him miss the mark and the one with limited ability bring home the prize?

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example And when the Good Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. – Luke 6:47 (New Living Translation)   What exactly is a coach? Are we mentors, teachers, tutors, instructors, or trainers?

I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end. – Psalm 119:112 (New Living Translation) Just give me the ball! You could see the tenacity in his eyes each time he took the mound.

Give honor to marriage and remain faithful to one another in marriage…. – Hebrews 13:4a (New Living Translation) As coaches, we have a lot on our minds. Our lives are a never ending merry-go round of duties and responsibilities.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. – Proverbs 12:15 (New Living Translation) I was in my first year of coaching and I wanted to do things the right way. However, the junior varsity player was testing my patience.

“….because I know this will lead to my deliverance through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:19 (Holman Christian Standard) At times everyone gets physically tired and mentally exhausted. It’s interesting however, that not all people react to this condition in the same way. Some stop and withdraw from everything while others hit another gear and keep moving forward.

Do not neglect the gift that is in you…practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. – 1 Timothy 4:14-15 Can you remember why you decided to become a coach? Many of us grew up playing the games and developed a passion for sports.

For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body —so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 (Holman Christian Standard) While talking with a group of coaches recently, someone made the statement that players today are better than ever, but teams are not. Though I didn’t want to admit it, I knew it was true.

“Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life.” – Proverbs 11:5 (The Message) Do athletics build character? Many of us might laugh and say, “It must, because I sure have a lot of characters on my team!” But let’s get serious for a minute. As a coach, is building character an important part of your program?

"I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.” – Psalm 32:8 The most important profession in the world is parenting, the second is teaching. As coaches, that statement should stop us in our tracks every time we see it. To me, coaching is teaching.