Ready:
"'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.’” – Matthew 5:3
Set:
Being genuinely coachable is an important attribute as an athlete. Being coachable involves recognizing not only that you benefit from listening to your coach, but also that you need their coaching. It’s having the humility to understand that you don’t have what it takes to become the player you want to be on your own. You need what your coach provides.
Being genuinely coachable is just as crucial in life. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus teaches us about life in God’s kingdom—also called “the kingdom of heaven”—which refers to His reign as King over us and over all. Jesus begins this sermon by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” To be “blessed” might bring to mind athletic success or financial provision. While these are certainly blessings, what Jesus is referring to is receiving the grace and favor of the King under whom we live. It’s the joy of experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus promises His followers (John 10:10).
Who gains access to this amazing blessing? “The poor in spirit.” Spiritual poverty is realizing our deep need for God while also understanding we bring nothing to the table that makes us deserving of God’s favor. Yet when we come to Him in our desperate need, God welcomes us into His Kingdom and into the fullness of life He desires for us—all because of Christ’s work, not ours.
Recognizing our deep need for God makes us truly coachable. We understand that on our own we don’t have what it takes to become who God created us to be. We need Jesus: His work through His death and resurrection, His teaching, His leading, His empowering, His love and grace. Out of this need, we trust Him and surrender to His reign over us as our King. In so doing, we experience the benefit of being coachable in what matters most. We have life in God’s Kingdom. We receive His abundant grace and favor.
Go:
What helps you recognize your desperate need for God so that you can have a coachable heart?
As you look to King Jesus, what is He currently teaching you? How is He coaching you in your life, including how you go about your sport?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, thank You for the incredible grace and favor You pour out on me, though I am undeserving. I pray that I would have a genuinely coachable heart, recognizing how much I need You. I want to follow You as my King today in all things. Amen.”