Are You the Example or the Exception?

In today’s society, students and student athletes need role models more than ever, and as Christian coaches we are called to fulfill that position. We need men and women to embrace the fact that God has placed us in such a valuable role
in a child’s life.

We expect our athletes to know their assignments and alignments and then perform their jobs to perfection on game nights, and in most cases we grade them for their performance, all the while understanding they may never reach 100 percent. We want ball players to be examples on and off the field, but as coaches we have to fulfill that role first. The old saying holds true: “Your actions speak so loud that I cannot hear what you are saying.” If we expect them to say “thank you” to the lunch lady, then they need to see us doing that. If the rule says no hats in the building, then we need to remove our hats. Jesus Christ has called us and empowered us to be different. Nothing of this world has power over us.

We need to hold fellow Christians accountable and challenge our fellow coaches & athletes to make a difference with their actions and then with their words. If it’s to be, it’s up to me! We need to start with ourselves and ask God to give us the strength to be the right kind of example for our peers and players.