Lessons from Football – Part 4, The Coach

Given November 11, 2013

The football coach; sometimes you praise him, sometimes you question his decisions, but you know he always has the best interests of the team in mind. He’s the guy who puts his players through all kinds of hard, and many times, painful drills with the goal of preparing them to face the opponent. “No pain, no gain!” He says. He teaches them all the rules so they can play the game without being penalized which would give the other team an advantage. He gives them team rules of conduct which are for their benefit as players and individuals but also that they might represent the team in a positive light. The coach, he leads the team with the help of a group of assistants who follow his lead to accomplish their common goals which include athletic and personal improvement, integrity, sportsmanship and ultimately, victory. However, to achieve these goals, the players have to submit to the coach; they have to do what he says, follow his rules, and do their best to support him, their fellow players, and those who follow the team.

God; sometimes we praise Him but sometimes we question or don’t understand His decisions but we must know that He always has our best interests at heart. If we choose to be on His team, He will put us through all kinds of hard and painful training in order to be successful for His “team” and to defeat the enemy, the devil. Through God’s word, the Bible, and prayer, He will teach us His way so we can be effective in the game of life and please “the Coach”. His way will not only benefit us but our team members and all who are a part of the team. God leads His team with the help of His assistants…who are the players! Their loyalty and service makes them better “players” and helps the team to victory. We have to choose to be on God’s team, to submit to His rules, and support Him. “Put me in Coach.” “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall now want…He leads me in paths of righteousness…I will fear no evil for Thou art with me…surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord…Forever.” (From Psalm 23).