Aside from my father, the most influential man in my life has been my coach. He was always very clear about the fact that, regardless of the issues that accompany academics, athletics, and disciplinary measures, he cared about me and valued me as a person. One of his many memorable sayings was, “When you fistfight or curse, you have run out of ideas.” Later I had the unparalleled honor of teaching with him for a short while, and he went on to found the FCA chapter for which I have now been Huddle Coach for twenty-one years. At the time of the Huddle’s birth, Jesus had just changed my life, and that’s when the coach asked me to co-sponsor. One year later he took another job, leaving the Huddle to me. “Just let Jesus lead through you,” he encouraged; nevertheless, I was scared to death.

Kids often have x-ray vision in that they can see through phony talk rather quickly. I knew my coach was not being phony, so I determined to follow his advice and let Christ lead. My part was to pray and to cultivate concern for the players and for my leadership skills. This was ultimately a spiritual battle. I wanted the leadership to be cosmic, not cosmetic.

How about you? Does your style of leading reflect not only the strength of Jesus, but also His courage, humility, and patience? If we want to exhibit Christ to those in our care, we must seek to be like Him in all we do and say.