by Shannon Caughey

What values drive how you coach? What values do you desire to instill in those you coach? Are these values biblical and clear? The beginning of the new year is a great time to reflect again on values. A good place to start is the four values that FCA is committed to pursuing: integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence. In this and the following three devotions, we’ll reflect on these values. 

Here is FCA’s definition of integrity: “To have integrity means that you are committed to Christ-like wholeness, both privately and publicly. Basically, it means to live without gaps.” Ask yourself: Are there “gaps” in your commitment to following Jesus and doing what honors him—areas of your life where you know you’re not living for Christ? Are there settings in which you “take plays off” when it comes to really doing what Jesus desires for you? Maybe it’s in some of the things you do or say as a coach. Maybe it’s in your private life. Maybe there are breakdowns in integrity in how you relate to certain individuals. 

Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” When there are gaps in your integrity—times when you choose the “crooked paths” of sin rather than fully following Jesus—you put yourself in danger. Even if they seem relatively small, these gaps undermine you and your impact for the Lord. On the flipside, when you pursue Christ-like wholeness in all areas—even in those things that seem relatively minor—you give yourself an opportunity to experience how God works as you honor him. 

How can you consistently walk in integrity?

1. Through God’s resources – Integrity is not automatic. We need wisdom and power to choose integrity in every situation. As Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1 reiterates, God “fills you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (v. 9). When you look to him, you are “strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might” (v. 11). As you daily cultivate your relationship with the Lord and recognize your dependence upon him, you can trust him to give you his wisdom and power so you can pursue integrity.

2. Through reinforcement – Integrity is not a one-time deal. Like any foundational skill in sports, integrity must be practiced and reinforced day by day. Have people around you who will encourage you and hold you accountable to be a person of integrity. Adhere to the wisdom of Proverbs 27:17—“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

3. Through resolve – Integrity is not easy. As former NFL running back Shaun Alexander said, “You’ve got to be tough spiritually to have integrity. You’ve got to be tough to live with purity.” In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul urges us with these words: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Resolve to run the race of life with integrity for Christ’s glory, even when those around you are “taking crooked paths.”

Coach, may you be defined by integrity and driven by a desire to coach and live with integrity. And may your model of integrity cause those you influence to desire integrity for their own lives. Remember, “whoever walks in integrity walks securely.”

For reflection: Ask the Lord to show you where there are any “integrity gaps” in how you’re coaching and living. Confess these to him, receiving his forgiveness and grace. Commit to Christ-focused integrity in the coming year.