In the middle of the 2011 U.S. Open final, Serena Williams lost her cool with a chair umpire, who penalized her for celebrating before a point was concluded. This sparked a lot of discussion about how athletes should behave while playing sports and the need for a “Code of Ethics” or an Athlete Commitment Contract, which is used by most high schools. The contract may include provisions for good sportsmanship and respect for players, coaches, parents, and officials. Most contracts also have a standard of obedience clause for attending practices and games. These contracts are distributed before the season begins and are signed by the athletes. By putting commitments and pledges in writing, coaches hope this will help their team hold themselves accountable to their promises.

Nehemiah 9 – Intentional Obedience

The leaders of Israel and the people pledged themselves publicly to follow God’s law in Nehemiah 9-10. By fixing their seals, or names, to the document, they committed themselves to upholding all that was written. The leaders signed the document they had created and led by example. Nehemiah was at the top of the list and made a firm pledge to the reforms he hoped would take place among his people.

A commitment to any goal succeeds only by taking specific actions. Without a purposeful plan, good intentions give way to bad habits.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete hold themselves accountable to the Word of God and establish godly habits glorifying God.

Bible Memory Verse – “‘…Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought out the Levites from all their places to bring them to Jerusalem so that they might celebrate the dedication with gladness, with hymns of thanksgiving and with songs to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps and lyres.” Nehemiah 12:27 (LSB)