by Shannon Caughey

If asked, “Do you want to be a godly coach?”, our response would likely be, “Sure!” We may then ask some follow-up questions: “What exactly does it mean to be ‘godly’? And how do we become more godly?” These are important questions since God’s Word repeatedly addresses the need for godliness. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 is especially relevant as we consider the sports world: “Train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” To train for godliness requires a better understanding of what godliness is and how it develops in us.

In his book The Practice of Godliness, Jerry Bridges digs into the Bible’s teaching on this subject. He defines godliness as “devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to him.” How do we grow in being people who are devoted to God and live in a way that pleases him? 2 Peter 1:3-4 lays out these foundational, encouraging truths: “³ By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ⁴ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

Living a godly life and being a godly coach starts with God and his work. He “has given us everything we need for a godly life.” How reassuring! We’re not on our own to figure it out and make it happen. The Lord initiates this work in us and provides what we need to grow in devotion to him that results in a life pleasing to him. God through his Son Jesus makes a way for us to know him (v. 3). God draws near to us so we can draw near to him when we respond in faith to the gospel. As we deepen our relational knowledge of God, he transforms us to be more like himself, the God of “marvelous glory and excellence.”

We are also able to grow in godliness because God “has given us great and precious promises,” and these promises “enable [us] to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires” (v. 4). Peter may have in mind particular promises like the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and the new life we have through Christ. More broadly, every promise God gives us in Christ leads us toward his good design for us. When we hold onto these promises we find in Scripture, trusting the Lord to fulfill them, our devotion to him is strengthened. God’s great and precious promises fuel in us a desire to please him—even as the world around us rebels against the Lord and instead chooses sinful pursuits.

Becoming a more godly coach is first and foremost the work of God in us. We give thanks to him that he gives us everything we need to live and coach for his glory! The foundation of godliness is responding to the initiative of God through Jesus to call us into a relationship with himself. Godliness in our daily lives is the fruit of knowing the Lord and believing the promises he gives us in his Word. 

While it is God who initiates and enables godliness in us, we are not mere passive participants. The very next verse (v. 5) in 2 Peter 1 calls us to action: “In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises.”The phrase “make every effort” has the sense of “work alongside of.” We actively partner with God in the work he’s already doing. Peter then goes on to list several key character qualities that are components of godliness. As we make every effort to grow in these qualities, partnering with God’s ongoing work in us, we are training ourselves to be godly. In the coming devotions, we’ll look more closely at the character qualities laid out in 2 Peter 1. 

Be encouraged by this: God gives you everything you need to be a godly coach. He enables you to know him, and his promises to you are great and precious. May these truths fuel your commitment to partner with him toward growing in godliness. Make it your prayer that you would be devoted to God in your coaching and in all other areas, resulting in a life that is pleasing to him.

For reflection: Praise and thank God that he gives you everything you need to live a godly life. Renew your commitment to training yourself to be godly, including in all you do as you coach.