I had a Bible teacher who told us that it is important that we always remain coachable. I’ve endeavored to be so, but never really thought of what that meant.
Merriam Webster says that the verb ‘coach’ means: “to train intensively (as by instruction and demonstration)”. So logically, to be coachable means that we must be willing to receive that kind of training.
We often think of coaching in the context of sports. All sports teams have coaches. From the professionals down to the peewee teams, coaching is a vital part of the competition. Even if you are not a sports fan, you probably know of some famous coaches like John Madden, Vince Lombardi, and Woody Hayes (for you OSU fans) to name a few.
Good coaches are able to successfully motivate their players to perform their best by pushing them beyond their comfort levels during training while reassuring them that they can do it. Good coaches know how to balance the pressure and the reward. They operate good principles. They are able to maintain order and momentum without stifling potential. Good coaches are respected and generally appreciated.
In sports this process is very recognizable, but what about in other fields? For example:
Good teachers are like coaches. They do more than merely convey information. They train their students by making sure that the information is understood, and by welcoming open and honest debate. Good teachers instruct their students on how to apply knowledge and think for themselves. They demonstrate by example and build enthusiasm for learning in their students. Good teachers are often remembered as role models.
Good bosses can also be like coaches. Good bosses realize that contented employees are more likely to be loyal and produce quality work. They know that their employees are valuable assets, so they motivate them without alienating them. Good bosses promote teamwork without being taskmasters. They respect their employees, and their employees respect them.
Good parents are always coaching. Their lives are spent in communicating information, refuting misinformation, encouraging good behavior, reproving bad behavior, and correcting error. They are patient and consistent. Good parents train their children to be the best that they can be in whatever they do. They love their children and celebrate with them in their successes.
Those are just a few examples of people who coach us. There is profit in listening to good coaching because we all need training in this life. We need instruction because we don’t know everything (even if we think we do!). We need encouragement, especially in the tough times. We need guidance if we’re heading down the wrong path. And we need to experience the satisfaction of success so that we can keep going day after day.
To be coachable means that we are willing to listen, willing to accept instruction (even if it’s not what we want to hear), and willing to change if needed. Being coachable involves meekness, cooperation, being honest with ourselves, and having open lines of communication. Being coachable is NOT being a wimp or a dishrag. (Try calling an NFL player a wimp sometime!). And it does not mean that we do everything that we are told without question. We are still responsible for our own integrity. We are coachable when we are not arrogant or self-absorbed.
The greatest coach ever is God. He coaches us through His Word. Think of all the scriptures that you know – do they not impart truth? Do they not show you the right way to go? Do they not correct you when you’ve gone astray and encourage you to get back on track? When you believe them, do they not enable you with success? Of course, they do all of these things and more!
The Bible is full of instruction for every facet of life, and it is the right instruction! There is motivation in the Bible, the kind that brings us to a positive outcome. There is also exhortation, edification, and comfort, the things that are necessary to encourage us. And there are promises that provide us with an abundant life. God’s Word is full of wisdom so we can not only know the score, but we can also know what to do about it.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
This is a description the Word that coaches us. We must receive this Word with meekness, hold on to It with conviction and release It with boldness. It contains all that we need to know about life and godliness. It declares God’s Will for our lives. And, It reveals the opponent’s game plan. (What team wouldn’t like to have that information!)
In sports, a coach’s success is measured by the number of victories his team achieves. God’s team’s victories are innumerable! And not only innumerable, but also miraculous. And not only miraculous, but also eternal! God’s record of success is beyond compare!
Being coachable allows us to receive all the wonderful things that God has in store for us. It allows God to encourage us to a more worthy endeavor. And it allows Him to direct our steps toward the ultimate victory – heaven – with steppingstones of success all along the way!
A big key to being coachable is having meekness, and meekness implies humbleness. When we are humble, we are not ashamed to admit that we need help. We are not afraid to ask God for His aid. And when we receive His answers, we are strengthened so that we can help others also. Like so many things of God, it is a wonderful cycle!
Note to my readers: Stay coachable. And don’t forget that meekness is a fruit of the spirit – (Just sayin’). Thanks for reading!