"I no longer live, but Christ in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me" - Galatians 2:20

What really gets you up in the morning? What powers you through a busy day of work, responsibility and challenges? What drives you? Most people are motivated by the following things:

1. Adrenaline - These are people if they weren't coaching would be racing cars and jumping out of airplanes. They are adrenaline junkies and live for the rush and thrill of adventure. There is certainly a need for us to be in the action, but adrenaline alone will often cause a coach to drive his team into the ground, not to mention themselves.
2. Ego - Many coaches want to lead a big program in order to gain sports celebrity and fame. Our ego may give us confidence, but unchecked, it can be a deadly and destructive pitfall. When it becomes all about us, it ceases to be a God-thing and becomes a me-thing.
3. Personal Fulfillment - Some coaches focus on the "dream job". Coaching is not viewed as a calling, but a means to an end. It becomes a process of creating the dream job, in the dream location, in a dream context. Bigger is better!
4. Cause - Then there are coaches motivated by the cause...the cause of impacting others for Jesus Christ. Jim Collins describes a leader as someone who "blends extreme personal humility with intense professional will." He adds "their ambition is first and foremost for the institution (team), not for themselves....for the company (team) and concern for its success rather than for one's own riches and renown."

This is why I hold coaches that have built programs in one place over a long period of time in high regard. They have been tested and found faithful. It has not been about finding the newest rush, finding that fifteen minutes of fame, or making a name for themselves. These things often lead to laziness, short-cuts, and abandonment after a season or two. Their lives and ministry are often driven by something much deeper......the cause of Jesus Christ. Now that's the kind of power that will get you through the day!

"Father, search my heart for the real reason I get up in the morning. If it is for the rush, my ego or personal gain, remove those thoughts and replace them with a will to serve You only. Give me the only power I need to get through the day, the power of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."