“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
– 2 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV)

We will never forget those childhood days when the neighborhood kids got together for a backyard game of football. We divided into teams, decided who would play what position and then began to make up our plays. Plays could be drawn up in the dirt or the quarterback could simply tell his receiver to run down the field twenty yards and head for the trash can. As coaches, we are sometimes obsessed with the X’s and O’s of the game. We go to clinics, read books and pick the brains of other coaches to come up with plays that can make our team better. While the plays are important, so are the athletes we teach to execute those plays. Are we providing the spiritual strength our players need? Coaches have the opportunity to influence and change lives. Coaches can be the great multipliers! It’s up to us to teach in such a way that will strengthen and encourage others to carry on as competent teachers when we are long gone.

The Apostle Paul knew his time was short as he faithfully taught Timothy to carry on the ministry. Timothy was also responsible for preparing others to carry on as teachers of the gospel when his days were over. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 is reminding us of the importance of making disciples. As Christian coaches, we should teach the game, but we should also teach Biblical truth to our players. We should always be thinking about how we can make them faithful men and women who will be able to teach others how to live for Jesus Christ. I have heard it said, “We can choose to be role models or parole models.” Think about it!

Heavenly Father, help me today to live my life in such a way as to be a positive example to those You have called me to serve. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.