READY:

“He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.” – Proverbs 15:32 (NIV)

“Never let your persistence and passion turn into stubbornness and ignorance.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

SET:

An officer in the navy had dreamed from childhood of commanding a great battleship one day. He finally achieved his dream and was given commission of the newest and proudest ship in the fleet. One stormy night, the captain was on duty on the bridge when he spotted a strange light rapidly closing with his own vessel. As his ship plowed through the giant waves, the light rose and fell just above the horizon of the sea. He ordered his signalman to flash a message to the unidentified craft on his port side, “Alter your course ten degrees to the south.” Within seconds a reply came, “Alter your course ten degrees to the north.” Determined that his ship would never take a backseat to any other, the captain snapped a second order, “Alter your course ten degrees—I am the CAPTAIN! The response was beamed back, “Alter your course ten degrees—I am Seaman Third Class Smith.” By this time the light was growing ever brighter and larger. Infuriated, the captain grabbed the signal light and personally signaled, “Alter your course, I am a battleship.” The reply came just as quickly, “Alter your course, I am a LIGHTHOUSE!”

What a great story. As coaches, it’s easy for us to become hard-headed and stubborn. After all, we are in charge and we know the direction we need to be going. Too often we get caught up in our passion for the job and neglect the advice and counsel of others. As we see it, the situation requires more determination and persistence. In truth, we may actually need a better understanding and perspective of the situation. Proverbs 15:32 reminds us that when we fail to listen to godly instruction we are heading for danger. Stubbornness and ignorance can easily shipwreck our plans as well as our careers. God wants what is best for us, not only should we seek his counsel, we should follow it.

GO:

1. Has your stubbornness ever gotten you in trouble? (If you don’t say yes, you’re lying!)

2. Where do you go for wise counsel on difficult questions?

3. Would your team view you as hard-headed and stubborn or open-minded and wise?

WORKOUT:

Proverbs 11:14
Proverbs 12:15
Proverbs 13:10