God's Coaching #306

God's Coaching #306

A bad attitude can derail a great player. It seems that’s what happened to Randy Moss. The Minnesota Vikings fired the Pro Bowl wide receiver after he had played only four games for them in the 2010 season. The surprise move came after Randy criticized coaches in a postgame press conference. Some reports suggested Randy had asked the Vikings owner to fire the head coach. The receiver had also openly insulted caterers who served a team meal after practice.

Anyone can make mistakes, but Randy already had a long history of attitude and legal problems reaching back to his high school days. When he entered the NFL in 1997, Sports Illustrated called him “the most gifted player in college football” but also noted, “Moss is a stud, but attitude a dud.” His talents were impressive on the field. He set the record for most touchdown catches in a season: 23 in 2007. But when things weren’t going Randy’s way—playing for a losing team, not getting enough catches, or not earning as much money as he wanted—selfishness shone through in his actions and words.

What’s the Score?

The most talented player in the world can hurt a team with a bad attitude, selfish demands, or negative complaints. You might have seen it firsthand on a team or in your class. Nobody wants to play with a ball hog, and people get tired of hanging around a person who’s always complaining or putting others down. Proverbs 12:18 reminds us that “some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”

The Bible teaches that God cares a lot about the words and actions that express our attitudes. He looks more at the motivations behind our actions than at our stats or accomplishments. Our words should lift up others, not tear them down. Our words and actions should show respect, fairness, humility, love, and all the other traits of God’s spirit—on the field and off. That’s when we show we’re truly wise.

On the Ball

Give yourself an attitude check. Ask a coach, teacher, and parent if there’s anything you can do to improve your play, studies, or attitude. Give their advice a try even if it’s hard to do at first.

Coach’s Comment

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Proverbs 12:18