When you’ve played your sport for a while, watched a lot of games, and analyzed strategies, it can be easy to think that you know the next best play to make when you’re in the game. And maybe you do. But when your coach has a different idea, do you listen? Do you talk back? Does playing your best mean sacrificing your own ideas?
Jasper knows that it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. He knows he can get frustrated when he and his coach see things differently. This is why he comes back to Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. Care about them as much as you care about yourselves and think the same way that Christ Jesus thought.
Philippians 2:3–5 (CEV)
The Teammates
Jasper
Sport: Soccer
I haven’t always had a good reputation. I used to argue a lot with my coach. My words and actions often disappointed my teammates. It’s easy to act on big feelings without thinking about how they affect others. But the more I read the Bible, the more it shapes how I act. Verses like this one remind me how I should treat others, even when I’m angry or upset. The thing is, my coach knows all about me, my strengths, and my weaknesses. I’m not perfect, but I’m learning to be humble and listen to him. I know he cares about me, because even when I make mistakes, he lifts me up. I can show him I care, too.
Paul, the Apostle
Paul writes to the Philippian Christians to give them encouragement and instructions. They’re a young church. To succeed, they need a coach like him. He tells them that they’re in good company if they practice being humble: Jesus was humble, too. He became human and then died a criminal’s death, which he didn’t deserve. Paul tells them that by putting each other first and by listening to his instructions they are becoming like Jesus. He doesn’t say this is easy, but he does say that God helps them do this—God lifts them up!
The Connection
Paul wants these young Christians to listen to him, because God has given him the position to lead them well. They may not always understand why he asks them to do certain things, but they can still trust him.
Jasper is learning to trust his coach, too. To respect him, to listen, to be humble, and to care as much about his coach as he cares about himself. Sometimes, this might feel unfair or like it doesn’t matter. But how we treat our leaders does matter—to them and to God. The next time you want to have your way and your coach says no, remember that God can help you stay humble.
For the Players
Reflect: What is something your coach asks you to do that you don’t like doing? How could this be an opportunity to practice humility?
Share: Find one small way to show your coach you care this week!
Take a moment to pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your son, Jesus Christ,
For giving the world the perfect example
Of how to live and lead with humility. (Philippians 2:3–5)
I admit that at times
I have acted out of pride and jealousy,
Thinking of myself more than others.
Transform my heart and mind; (Romans 12:2–3)
Teach me how to listen and obey,
And to treat everyone with humility. (1 Peter 5:5)
Before I practice or play my sport
Remind me to live like Jesus;
To walk in love and seek to serve. (Ephesians 5:1–2)
Amen.
Press in! Take a moment to read: 1 Peter 5:5–6
Want more on this topic? Check out Matthew 22:37–40 – Use Your Sport to Love God
For Coaches and Parents
Read aloud with your team or athlete!
Treating others as more important than yourself doesn’t mean that you judge or belittle yourself. You can know your worth—Jesus values and loves you so much! That’s why Jesus humbled himself: out of love for you. If you know you are valued, loved, taken care of, and have a purpose, it can be easier to be humble.
A question for the team/athlete:
What feelings make it hard to be humble?
Here are a few options: Pride in your abilities, jealousy, anger, disappointment, injustice
(Allow a few responses from the team/athlete, then read the follow-up message.)
Follow-up:
When it’s easy to be humble because you’re feeling secure, and when it’s hard to be humble because you’re upset, God loves you just the same. He’ll always be there to help you keep trying. As your coach/parent, so will I!
