Conflict will affect the culture of every team. Handled correctly, a skilled leader can turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. The legendary basketball coach John Wooden offers valuable wisdom on this issue.

In his book Wooden on Leadership, he writes, “As a leader, you must be sincerely committed to what’s right rather than who’s right. The best leaders are more interested in finding what’s right than always being right. They understand how much more can be accomplished if no one cares who gets credit. The interpersonal characteristics of Friendship (camaraderie and respect), Loyalty, and Cooperation create the sincere and solid bond necessary between you and those you lead.”

Titus 1 – Above Reproach

Every team and church has its troublemakers. Titus is another letter Paul wrote to leaders to help equip and encourage them after he left Crete. Titus’ job was to bring structure and leadership to the island of Crete. Resolving conflict and correcting rebellious followers is critical to prevent their influence from growing.

Titus 1 identifies a large group of “rebellious men” who use their “empty talk” and deception to disrupt and challenge leadership. The church’s conduct should radically differ from that of the world. Titus appoints mature church leaders and challenges them to be Christian leaders. Paul makes it clear that church leaders live as examples for others (Titus 1:6). 

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete lead others by living “above reproach” (Titus 1:6). Their leadership cannot be accused of living inconsistently with their faith commitments. They are most concerned that their behavior does not compromise their testimony of the gospel.

Bible Memory Verse – “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.” Titus 1:15 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Dealing With Conflict

Our featured book this week is Proverbs (The Discerning Athlete) by Ryan Limbaugh. This is a 10-week Bible study for athletes who want to live and lead with God’s wisdom.

Click HERE to review. 

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