After him Baruch son of Zabbai diligently repaired another section, from the Angle to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. — Nehemiah 3:20
We all have times when we feel unmotivated to do our work. It’s not that we don’t love coaching, or the athletes, or the sport, but we do get discouraged by what often seems like a fruitless and tedious process. We feel burdened by the monotony of working, and this detracts from the joy that Jesus Christ gave us.
Baruch, son of Zabbai, was also engaged in repetitive work, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, a tedious process that took long hours and offered little reward. However, unlike the discouragement many of us might feel in this situation, Baruch was extremely passionate, and the Bible notes he repaired zealously. According to the dictionary, a zealous person is one who is “filled with enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal and tireless diligence in its furtherance.” Baruch rose above the monotony of the work and was joyful in it, knowing that the goal of the rebuilding was to honor God and bring Him glory. In working to promote God’s kingdom instead of living for earthly glory that fades away, Baruch experienced the fruits of devotion, diligence, and joy.
Can we not do the same thing in our coaching? There are certainly times during the year when the work is draining, when we don’t want to press ahead. But if our goal is the glory of God rather than simply a winning season, we will find unflagging joy just as Baruch did.
1. What portions of coaching do you find monotonous?
2. What are some of the goals your team has this year? Will the passion you have for these accomplishments fade one, ten, or twenty years down the road?
3. What do you think it means to work diligently? Where do you set your heart when you work diligently? Where did Baruch set his heart?
Extra Reading: Psalm 4:7; Ecclesiastes 8:15; 2 Corinthians 3:1, 4–12
Lord, I pray that in my every thought and action You will be my ultimate goal. Help me to make You first and foremost in my mind, and that I may work zealously with all the talents You have given me to promote Your eternal glory. Amen.