“Carefully follow them, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the peoples. When they hear about all these statutes, they will say, ‘This great nation is indeed a wise and understanding people.’ For what a great nation is there that has a god near to it as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call to Him?” — Deuteronomy 4:6–7
Each new season starts out with a team meeting. The coach gives the team rules and goes over the expectations for the upcoming season. The coach makes sure that there is no question about what will be expected out of the athletes.
God is the ultimate head coach. Just as a good earthly coach goes over the rules, so does He. God gave His “team rules” to the Israelites through Moses, and He expected them to be followed.
When our earthly head coaches expect us to follow the team rules, they generally set out a reward. The reward might be a letterman’s patch or pin, or it could be lessened conditioning in practice. Whatever it is, the head coach makes sure that we know the rewards for following the team rules.
The ultimate head coach, God, has different rewards for following His rules. Not only are they earthly; they are eternal. In eternity our rewards will be the people we impacted for Christ. The Apostle Paul said of the Thessalonian Christians that they would be his joy and crown of boasting in the presence of Jesus (1 Th 2:19).
Knowing that we’ve impacted the kingdom of God is better than a letter jacket any day.
1. Do you know the team rules?
2. Are you following the team rules?
3. What rules do you need to work on?
Extra Reading: Matthew 5:33–38; 16:27; Luke 6:35; Colossians 3:23–24
Lord, show me Your ways. Give me an understanding of Your team rules so that I might be a light in the dark world. Amen.
About the Author:
Michael Hill is a former FCA staff member and head coach. He lives and teaches in Haysville, Kan. In his career, Michael has been blessed to coach college and high school football and spend years as a high school cross country coach.
