Each year, the Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards has a tribute to coaches and mentors who have inspired Bay Area star athletes and their community. Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo and Golden State Warrior Draymond Green were featured in 2017.

Matthew 18 – Lasting Bonds

Green credits Izzo for instilling the mentality within him that has driven him to become a two-time All-Star. “He showed me if I wanted to be a player, if I wanted to be successful, if I wanted to one day possibly play in the NBA, that I had to always have that energy, and it just started to become who I was, and who I am.” They developed a lasting bond stretching far beyond the basketball court. “That’s the thing I love about Coach Izzo: his raising you into a man when you get into his program is ten times more important than what type of basketball player you become. The impact he had on me and my life is through the roof, and that’s why we’re so close today.”

Building lasting bonds between a player and a coach takes work. There are plenty of reasons for conflict within a team with competitive players. Jesus had much to say about relationships and knew believers would offend one another occasionally. So, He taught us how to resolve our conflicts in Matthew 18. The brother who has been injured is to approach the offender. He must not let resentment fester like a wound and bleed internally. He is to keep the issue private, seeking repentance and not public humiliation of the offender.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete forgive other believers when offended rather than allowing the conflict to continue because God commands it.

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 – “And this gospel of the kingdoms will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 13:17

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