Virginia Head Coach Tony Bennet leads one of the best college basketball teams in the country and is setting a worthy example. Following his team’s NCAA National Championship, he turned down a huge pay raise for all the right reasons.

Bennet said he’s “blessed beyond what I deserve” and has “more than enough. Laurel and I are in a great spot, and in the past, I’ve had increases in my contract. We just feel a great peace about where we’re at, all that’s taken place, and how we feel about this athletic department and this community and this school. I love being at UVA . . . I have more than enough, and if there are ways that this can help out the athletic department, the other programs, and coaches by not tying up so much (in men’s basketball), that’s my desire.” University of Virginia President Jim Ryan said, “Tony is one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met, and this is just the latest example.”

1 Corinthians 4 – Servant Leadership

Coach Bennet is the definition of a servant leader, as described by those who know him best. His humble and sacrificial attitude, combined with selflessness, provides his players with a worthy example to follow as he follows Christ. Paul presents a servant image of Jesus to the Corinthians in chapter 4. They were divided by their loyalties to different spiritual leaders, and Paul reminded them that all leaders must be followers of Christ.

Paul urges the Corinthian Christians to imitate him (1 Cor. 4:15-16). This meant Paul needed to live a spiritually worthy life for those who followed him.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete live an exemplary life that encourages others to follow them. They impart their spiritual values and the gospel to their athletes and teammates without hypocrisy. They walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls them (1 Thes. 2:11-12).

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “Or do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

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