Coaches do a lot of talking. If it were all recorded and played back, how would that change the way they spoke in the first place? Would they want to play for themselves? Would they listen to themselves? Would they tune out? Would they take offense?
Proverbs 12:18–“There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (NASB).
Coaches and parents, are your words like a sword? Do they cut deep and painfully?
Or, do your words bring healing?
There’s really no in between. Words are not neutral. Their intent is not neutral. Their effect is not neutral.
They will land with people, and particularly the kids you’re coaching, like a sword or like medicine.
The choice is yours. If all you said were recorded and played back, how would that change the way you speak?
The remedy to this is a change in your heart. Jesus said it well when he told the Pharisees that what we say comes straight from our hearts (Matthew 12:34).
Changing what exits your mouth isn’t a matter of mere self-control, although that is part of it. It’s first a matter of changing what you allow to enter and reside in your heart. That begins with WHO resides there.
Here’s a prayer:
Lord Jesus, if it were all recorded, I’m not sure I would want to listen to what I say. I need a heart change so that my words will change. Take over what is at my very core, who I really am–my heart. Change it. Change me. Amen.
