“So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” — 1 Kings 3:9
This was the prayer of King Solomon as he was about to take office. Rather than ask for riches or power, he asked for wisdom and understanding. Solomon knew that the key characteristic for an effective leader was wisdom to make good decisions. His decisions often concerned life or death situations. Our decisions are more often about whether to pass or run, a fastball or curveball, inside or outside, man to man or zone.
Solomon also desired an understanding heart to judge the people. Solomon knew, and the best coaches know, that leadership is all about people, not systems. Coaches will be at their best when they are in tune with their players’ hearts.
As we prepare to compete, let’s turn our hearts toward the Lord and His limitless store of understanding and wisdom. We have prepared our minds for competition, now we need to prepare our hearts to discern wisely between good and evil for our teams.
1. Where do great coaches acquire the wisdom and skill for fulfilling their roles?
2. How do coaches gain the knowledge and understanding to help their teams become successful?
3. Where do you look for such wisdom and skill?
4. Who are the coaches and others with whom you consult to coach well?
Extra Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1–40; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–10
Father, give your servant an understanding heart to coach your people to discern between good and evil. Fill my heart with wisdom and skill to lead wisely and well. Amen.
