God's Coaching #138

God's Coaching #138

John Smoltz didn’t want to become a relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in 2002. The best major-league pitchers are starters, and John was one of the best. He won the 1996 Cy Young Award, was a six-time All-Star, and had the winningest postseason pitching record in baseball history. Yes, John had missed the entire 2000 season and part of 2001 due to shoulder surgery. But he felt great in 2002. The New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks both offered him fat contracts as a starter. But the Braves wanted him to be their closer and to come in at the end of a game to protect a lead and get the final few outs.

So why did John agree to go to the Braves’ bull pen? Because he prayed and asked God to show him what was best—even if he didn’t like it. John submitted to God’s authority and his coaches’ authority and put the good of the team ahead of his desires. God blessed his decision. John dominated as a closer. From May 2002 to May 2003, the Braves didn’t lose a single game that John pitched in. And he broke the National League record for most saves in a season with 55.

What’s the Score?

John moved back to the starting lineup in 2005 and proved he was one of the best in baseball no matter when he pitched. Some pitchers would have been too proud to move to the bull pen. But John showed he was humble enough to obey the Bible’s command to “submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority” (1 Peter 2:13, NIV).

Sometimes we may think we know better than our parents, teachers, and coaches. But God wants us to respect and follow the leaders who have been put in our lives—unless they tell us to do something that clearly goes against God’s Word. We don’t have to like all rules, but we have to listen respectfully and obey. Sometimes our leaders will make mistakes, but they usually have a bigger picture in their minds that will help us in the end. If one of the big league’s best can submit to authority, you can too.

On the Ball

What’s your least favorite rule or authority figure? Obey without complaining. Change your attitude, and you might be surprised that your teacher or parent will too.

Coach’s Comment

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14 (NIV)