Part of every athlete or coach’s journey is recognizing their mistakes or failures so they can learn and grow. I found the list put together by Strongerteam.com about seven mistakes athletes make but often don’t recognize until their playing careers are over.

Here are two that stood out to me the most.

1. Only doing the minimum. Talent will win the day at the youngest levels, and many athletes fail to become great because they don’t work all the time at practice. As players get older and the talent evens out, this becomes even more apparent.
2. Focusing on numbers. There’s only one statistic that truly matters—wins. But there are athletes at every level who get caught up in personal numbers, even to the detriment of the team.

Romans 2 – The Main Theme: The Gospel

The remaining five mistakes can be found online and can be a helpful tool for the athlete who has failed to recognize them. While it’s crucial to acknowledge errors in our lives, nothing is more important than identifying the sins in our lives. Paul’s main point in Romans 2 is that until we realize we are sinners by nature, we won’t recognize our desperate need for salvation. Once the athlete or coach comes to that life-changing conclusion, they will change their hearts, and they will have a desire to walk in obedience.

The main theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans is the gospel, the good news. He started with the bad news, the universal problem of human evil or depravity. It’s impossible to correct a mistake without first acknowledging the problem. Likewise, how can anyone understand the need for a savior who does not first recognize the sin in their life?

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete emphasize obedience to God, both in heart and in action. They know that only listening to God’s Word isn’t enough. The person who obeys the law will receive God’s favor. Obedience is the fruit of a heart changed by God.

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 – Because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes, both His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen and understood through what has been made so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20 LSB

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Sin