Purpose

Years ago, my Sunday School class used Rick Warren’s world-renowned book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? It was an interesting study, and many of the participants realized that God likely had a plan for their lives that differed from their personal thoughts and desires.

As a coach, have you given it much thought? What is your purpose for being where you are right now?

• Is it to put the school on the map?

• Is it to connect with alumni and raise money for the program?

• Is it purely to win games and bring home championships?

• Or is it much, much more than any of those things?

Just as in the parable “Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man,” one’s purpose in life should be influenced by their faith in Jesus. Once freed from being demon-possessed, the man wanted to pick up and follow Jesus, but Jesus had another purpose for him.

He needed the man to speak the truth about what had happened. The townspeople had mixed emotions about it, and the man’s purpose would be better served by discipling right where he was already planted—telling his story and sharing how Jesus had saved him.

All players come to a program or school with thoughts and desires about how they intend to impact it. It is your purpose to guide and coach them, both on the field and off. Their purpose may need redirecting.

Who and what they become as players and people can be heavily influenced by you and your purpose.

If it is just about wins and the success of the program, your influence on and connection with these players will likely end when their time on campus ends.

If you want to truly invest in them as people, you can gain their trust by using Christlike characteristics in your coaching and exposing them to your faith. With that approach, you stand a good chance of impacting them for a lifetime!

Jesus was meek, not weak. He showed love; sometimes it was tough love. He challenged his disciples, but he also showed compassion. He taught with self-control and caught with character.

So, what is your purpose? As you read this right now, consider these questions:

• How many current and former players know your testimony?

• How many care enough about you that, if you passed away right now, they would attend your funeral?

Chasing dreams and being successful is wonderful, but eternity is forever. Impact someone’s eternity.

Serve a purpose!

Be Well. Build Well. Serve Well.