“Do as I say, not as I do.” That’s a load of garbage, as you know. Yet, how many coaches and parents are operating according to that principle right now? Be on time, but don’t expect me to be. Keep your mouth shut while I run mine. Work hard while I sit here. Really? Who in their right mind expects players and children to follow that sort of instruction?
If you’re a coach and/or parent, you know you had better say AND do the things you want your players and children to do. Otherwise, you’re a hypocritical fool.
Proverbs 20:7–“A righteous man who walks in his integrity–how blessed are his sons after him.”
Coach/parent, you have a tremendous responsibility and opportunity. The players and/or children in your charge will experience something because of you, whether positive or negative. As the proverb tells us, children are blessed when those over them live with integrity.
Now what? No more, “do as I say, not as I do.” Now, it must be “follow me, as I follow Christ Jesus.” What you say matters. What you do matters more. Live with integrity, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and those who follow you (your players and children) will be blessed because of you.
Here’s a prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want those who follow me to be blessed because they do so. Make me a parent and/or coach full of integrity. Make me humble, ready to apologize, eager to learn, and submitted to you. Amen.
