Ricky Simmons is an example of a college football player who went from the penthouse to the outhouse. In the early 1980s, he was a star receiver for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Following his graduation and brief pro career, he traded his football life for cocaine. Eventually, he landed in a prison cell and was forgotten by friends and fans. It wasn’t until he received an envelope from his former coach that his life began to change. Tom Osborne wrote, “Dear Ricky, I know your parents believed in you. I believe in you. Upon your release, if there’s anything I can do to help you, feel free to contact me.”

Simmons said, “I fell to my knees right there in my prison cell and turned my life over to Christ. The fact he took time out of his day to even acknowledge me … I can never repay him for that.” Simmons left prison and became a drug counselor and motivational speaker. Since leaving prison, he meets weekly with Osborne to show him that he is remaining clean and accountable to God for his life. Many other former players for Tom Osborne have similar stories about how their former coach reached out to them after their playing days to offer help. He was always willing to listen and demonstrate compassion for them.

Mark 7 – Don’t Neglect the Important Matters

As word spread about Jesus, religious leaders from Jerusalem showed up to examine him. Mark shows Jesus’ compassionate heart in chapter 7. He contrasts Jesus with the hearts of the religious leaders. Rather than demonstrating compassion for their followers, they were hypocritical and self-righteous. They thought they were pleasing to God because they kept the Law—or parts of it. Jesus pointed out to them, however strict they were in following the finer points of their rules, they failed to measure up to God’s standard of holiness: “You have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:3).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete care about the well-being of others and demonstrate compassion whenever possible toward those in need. They are more concerned with pleasing God than being self-righteous.

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 –“There is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him, but the things which proceed of the man are what defile the man.” Mark 7:15 LSB

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