The value of those we coach

As we build relationships that will impact the Kingdom of God, it is important to move from a name into recognition of value. After all, the value of each individual is a primary motivation for our coaching. God really does have a plan for every individual. Everyone has been created to complete the “works” God has appointed them for. We often hear these ideas and many of us have said them to others. But, the labor of the coach is to help someone discover what that plan is and to engage in the works by faith. If we are not motivated by love (regarding the other person above ourselves) then our coaching will fall short. A good coach is willing to encourage any player, but cannot coach every player. You are responsible to coach the players appointed to your team. The first step in discovering who is on your team is to ask God to give you a deep heart ache for the ones he sends your way. When your concern for the success of someone else surpasses the concern for your own success, you may have discovered someone to pour your life into. Look closely at those around you and listen to your heart. Try it and watch what happens.

Your name is important

If you are anything like me, you have a hard time remembering names. I like to say that I can remember faces but names are a bigger challenge. The truth is I have a hard time with faces too. I was recently impressed by a pastor that remembered the names of each of my children (6) as well as my wife as we prayed together after an hour long meeting. Well, God knows that some of us have better memories than others and I believe that he offers grace to those of us with shorter memories than others, but what we fail to see is the importance of a person’s name. God spoke specifically to Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Peter and Paul and did so by calling them “by name.” When Jesus spoke to his disciples he called them by their names. Names are important for us to remember because a person’s name is important to God. As we initiate and build godly relationships with those God has placed in our lives, we need to recognize that one of the first steps is acknowledging them by name. It is impossible to build a godly relationship without remembering a person’s name. Try it and watch what happens