God's Coaching #33

God's Coaching #33

C. J. and Damien Hobgood kicked off the 2006 season surfing head-to-head in the finals of the Globe Sebastian Inlet Pro. The twin brothers traded waves and launched airs. In the end, Damien came out on top, beating his brother for the first time in a pro heat. The difference was $5,000. But even more valuable were the family bragging rights.

C. J. and Damien grew up competing—and fighting—about everything, even the clothes they wore to school. They tried so hard to be different and to establish their own identities. But that wasn’t easy to do because they were identical twins. Early in their surfing careers, magazines mixed up their pictures, and sponsors tried to contract both of them for the price of one.

For a while the brothers tried to keep their distance from each other. But as they secured their spots on the pro tour, they grew closer together and realized how valuable it was to have a brother so near. They also grew in their faith in God and realized that being a twin was a big part of the identities God gave them.

What’s the Score?

We all want to establish our own identities, just like Damien and C.J. did. That might become even more important to you in the next few years. But no matter who you are and what you like to do, your most important identity is found in being God’s child.

The Bible tells us in Galatians 4:6, “Because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Abba is a word like Daddy. It means we’re tight with God. And it means we’re royalty because God is the King. Let that shape who you are and how you see yourself. No matter what anyone else says, you belong to God and are in line to inherit all his treasures.

On the Ball

Make a list of all the things that make you you. Include everything from unusual freckles and scars to family relations to talents and abilities. Put “God’s son or daughter” right on top of the list.

Coach’s Comment

Because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:6-7