Coach Ron Brown said it was interesting to observe team pictures of college football players he had coached. He said some of the athletes never stay on the team very long. Those athletes were excited about being in the team picture because they hoped to show prospective employers they were part of a well-known, successful team. They planned to leverage the skills developed during sports to help them score a job in the “real world.” Coach Brown also thought this was true spiritually for some people.

Second John – Truth and Love

Many believers are just happy because they’re in the team picture! They’ve trusted Christ as Savior and Lord, but they’re not interested in taking the time to develop or grow in their faith. There is a lifestyle expected of all believers that Jesus taught. This is in contrast to the teachings of false teachers in 2 John 1:7. Christians are to “abide in the teaching of Christ.” The content of Christianity is conveyed in this notion of “truth.” John says the truth “abides” in us and “will be with us forever.”

When 2 John mentions teaching or doctrine concerning Jesus Christ, it is shorthand for the Person and Work of Christ. But it also refers to the lifestyle expected of Christians. It’s hard to embrace both love and truth. It’s not loving letting a person go to hell because we fear they will be upset. We have a responsibility to tell people the truth. Still, we must know the truth through constant training in sound theology.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete stand for truth while also continuing to love and walk in grace toward others. They are ready to make a defense to everyone for what they believe.