Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-13.

Ask coaches of any sport at any skill level and they’ll agree: it sometimes seems as if a coach’s life revolves around practice. Scheduling practices, making practice plans, evaluating practices, reviewing film…in all these forms, practice is a never ending necessity. I’d venture to guess you may have even practiced a pre-game speech at some point in your career. Maybe even in the mirror?

In chapter 12 of the book of Romans, Paul issues a series of challenges, found in verses 9-13. While all of the verses in this short passage call us powerfully to right-living, it’s the final two words that motivate me the most. “Practice hospitality.”

Two simple words that deliver a clear and straightforward command: practice hospitality. Now, I love a good cook-out as much as the next person, but I get the feeling Paul wasn’t calling us to fire up the grill and tune-in the game. No, true Christian hospitality goes much deeper than mere entertaining. In the practice of hospitality, we find things like generosity of spirit and time. We see self-sacrifice, acceptance, forgiveness, and patience. We see a sincere effort to live peacefully with others. In Christian hospitality, we see reflections of Jesus Christ.

Such a life is easy to live in the absence of adversity, just as a game against an inferior opponent is easily won. But add to the mix the daily challenges of coaching: unmotivated players, long hours, complaining parents, or disappointing performances, and the practice of hospitality suddenly becomes difficult. Motives are questioned, tempers are lost, and enthusiasm wanes.

It is only in the daily denial of self and the continuous yielding to God that we, as humans, have even a chance of practicing hospitality. In Christ, we find the strength to be hospitable in even the most difficult of times.

Consider, for a moment, how you could offer more Christian hospitality. To your players. To your fellow coaches. To your family. To total strangers.

I’ll end with a challenge for you. The next time you find yourself in the throes of an intense and grueling practice schedule, ask yourself if you’ve remembered to also practice hospitality. It is, after all, one of the most important skills a Christian can practice.
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Elizabeth Skogman is the Director of Youth and Children at Hibben United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC. She has survived a lightning strike (yes, really), a bank robbery (yes. really.) and the most recent white water rafting trip with her youth (unbelievable!). Elizabeth first became involved with FCA as a sophomore in high school and is delighted to continue supporting the organization today. She leads an weekly FCA Bible study for several female athletes at Chick fil A, North Mt Pleasant store.  e-mail at eskogman@hibbenumc.org.