Here’s a list of three things that will destroy a player and/or team:
1. Excuses. No one told me. I didn’t know. The sun got in my eyes. Whatever they may be. Excuses will ruin you and/or your team.
2. Shifting blame. It wasn’t my fault. I’m not responsible for anyone but me. He messed up, not me. Don’t look at me.
3. Apathy. I just don’t care. No one does. There’s no point in it, anyway. We aren’t going anywhere. We’re just going to keep losing like we always have.
That player or team is done. Destroyed. Just like the guy in the verse below.
Proverbs 22:13–“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside; I shall be slain in the streets!” (NASB)
Who let out the lion? It wasn’t me. Who’s going to stop the lion? Not me. What’s the lion going to do? Anything he wants…there’s no hope for survival.
But, what if this guy got off his backside and did something? What if he stared down the lion and was willing to fight, even if he still lost? What if he didn’t give up? What if he cared? What if he didn’t make excuses about the lion or blame others for the lion? I guarantee his life, and that of the lion, would be different.
Which guy are you? The one who knows the lion is going to kill him, or the one who trusts God when the lions come?
Here’s a prayer:
Lord Jesus, I’m surrounded by lions as a player/coach/person. My tendency is to make excuses, blame other people, or give up. No more! I’ve got you fighting and living on my behalf. Fill me with your Spirit and give me the courage and wisdom I need to address the lions in my life. Amen.
