When Coach Ron Brown faced several parents who believed their sons deserved more playing time, he told them, “How about letting each of you have one vote for the starting running back, with my vote as the tie-breaker?” That pretty much ended the debate!

One of the most common phrases heard during any sports season about a coach is, “The Coach is playing favorites.” I usually heard this feedback from parents when an athlete wasn’t playing much. It was the most common complaint I heard during my years of coaching, especially when I became a head coach rather than just an assistant. 

I think most coaches would agree they play favorites, but not always for the reasons disgruntled parents or athletes believe. Parents’ assessments of their own child’s talent level are rarely objective. It can often appear that a coach unfairly plays favorites when giving more opportunities to athletes who display traits or play styles a coach prefers. It may feel unfair to the parent or athlete, but most of the time, it is not unfair treatment of an athlete. 

James 2 – Golden Rule

James begins chapter 2 with a lesson against favoritism. He points his readers to a biblical reason not to play favorites, citing Leviticus 19:18—“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” It’s the “Golden Rule” found in Matthew 7:12. James teaches that prejudice and faith in Christ do not mix (2:1). He isn’t teaching that we must treat every member of your team exactly the same. He is saying we can’t mistreat someone based on superficial prejudices like their skin color or social status.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe in the “Golden Rule” by treating each member of their team the way they would want to be treated. They approach each interaction with their team as an opportunity to demonstrate their love for them.

Bible Memory Verse –“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Playing Favorites

Our featured book this week is Jesus Is Bigger Than Football by Ron Brown and Gordon Thiessen. In 2025, a post-game prayer between Nebraska and Cincinnati players and coaches captured national attention, reminding millions that some things are bigger than the game itself. Jesus Is Bigger Than Football challenges athletes, coaches, and fans to see sports through an eternal lens and discover that true identity, purpose, and victory are found not on the field, but in Christ. Click HERE to review. 

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