God's Coaching #35

God's Coaching #35

Right before Super Bowl XLI, the two opposing coaches took out a full-page ad in USA Today that proclaimed their love for Jesus. Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith wanted everybody to know their lives were dedicated to Jesus Christ. Both men were respected for living out their faith on the sidelines. Tony and Lovie both coached with calm, respectful styles. They didn’t scream and swear like many other NFL coaches.

Not only were both men Christians, but they were two of only a handful of African American coaches in the NFL. When Tony’s Colts controlled the game and won 29–17, he became the first African American coach to win a Super Bowl. During the trophy ceremony, Tony told the world, “I’m proud to be the first African American coach to win this. But again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord’s way. We’re more proud of that.”

What’s the Score?

Should the color of the coaches’ skin have been any big deal at all? No, but it was, because it had taken decades for African Americans to even get the chance to be head coaches in the NFL. The Bible teaches us that God’s love is equal for every person, no matter his or her race or social status. In Jesus, “we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). That means we should treat and love all people equally.

Sadly, it wasn’t until about 50 years ago that laws in the United States called for African Americans to be treated equally. Tony and Lovie proved that things are much better now. But there are still many ways that different races don’t trust each other. Look around your church. Is everyone one color? Or are all of God’s children represented? Sometimes we need to make a special effort to reach out and build bridges with different races. When we do, we learn to value each other for what’s inside—like God does.

On the Ball

Look up and read Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. And look for someone of a different race to talk to or introduce yourself to today.

Coach’s Comment

Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13