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July 11, 2005
A Supportive Coach
by Diane Brown
Holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ , that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain (Philippians 2:16).
IÕve been given the opportunity to attend many sports events over the years. Not the pro kind, but the events played by children (they are the most gratifying and entertaining to watch). You hear many comments from spectators and coaches, unfortunately not always positive. One coach at a recent baseball game caught my attention as I sat in the stands. The coach was directing the boy on second base when to run to third and cheering on the batter. What was interesting was the fact that he was not only encouraging his own team, but the boys on our team too the opposing team! Words of support from the right kind of coach can make such a difference.
Paul was a kind of ÒcoachÓ rooting for the team of believers at Philippi, and in turn, the Philippians were supportive of Paul too. Here are few ways (and there are many more to explore) that PaulÕs words in GodÕs Word encouraged the team of believers at Philippi:
to rejoice in what God is doing in their lives
to live a life that points others to God
to suffer for the furtherance of the gospel
to have the mind of Christ
to remember our heavenly citizenship
God is the one ÒcoachÓ that we can count on as Paul did to always direct us to finish each base of life so that our life will score count for eternity and glorify God. It is not easy to reach each base in life. The devil is always looking for a way to strike us out. Paul challenges the Philippians as God does us today to keep on base by Òholding forth the word of lifeÓ in our hearts.
Thus as God supports us, we are to go and be a supportive coach to others, rooting them on as they run each base through the easy and tough plays of daily life. Do you need a ÒHow-toÓ book about being supported and being an exemplary coach? PaulÕs Òcoaching words of wisdomÓ in the book of Philippians may be just the book you need to read.
Sure I must fight, if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord;
IÕll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
from ÒAm I a Soldier of the CrossÓ by Isaac Watts
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