“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes are pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
– 1 John 2:16 (ESV)

Have you ever had a time in your coaching career when you began to think too highly of yourself? Maybe you won the big game against your bitter rival or completed an undefeated season. Maybe you received that coveted Coach of the Year award given by the local media or a group of your peers. It’s so easy to fall in love with ourselves and our accomplishments. Usually, something or someone brings us back to earth from our prideful journey. Speedy Morris, former men’s basketball coach at La Salle University, tells this story. “When I first got the job at La Salle, the phone rang and my wife told me it was Sports Illustrated. I cut myself shaving and fell down the stairs in my rush to get to the phone. When I got there, a voice on the other end said, ‘For just seventy-five cents and issue’….”  You can fill in the rest of the story yourself.

Without question, there is a little Speedy Morris in each of us. God’s Word is full of men and women who suffered greatly due to misplaced pride. We must constantly be on guard and remind ourselves daily that God is the giver of all things good. Our challenge is to humble ourselves before God every day. We must always give Him the praise He deserves and pray He will use us in mighty ways for His glory.

Heavenly Father, teach me today that You are always big and I am always small. Keep me humble and help me to keep my eyes focused on You and not the things of this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.