We continue with the teaching about the discipling square. There are challenges as you move with someone around the square because on each corner of the square there is the potential for flesh to appear. This can present as fear, lack of knowledge, anger, frustration, lack of confidence, and negative self-talk (I am no good, I will never get this etc.)
For those coaches who live below the line, this presents a very big challenge How do you think a coach living below the line will respond to a player who is hitting the corner wall?
This coach may also respond with anger, frustration – for example, “Why can’t you perform this skill like I showed you?.” They may accuse the player of weakness or even stupidity.
So, what comes out of a coach living below the line reflects their true heart position - anger and bitterness. How will the player respond to this? What will the player think and respond emotionally? You can believe it will not be good. The player will only give this coach a limited effort. Their own self-confidence is lowered. They will become even more frustrated.
Now let’s look at this from a coach who is living above the line. How would such a coach respond? The top of Coach Bob and Jeanne’s list is patience. A coach who is living above the line understands people and knows that everyone learns in different ways and speeds. His concern is for the development of the player, not what is going on inside his flesh. Patience is a necessity when helping people of all ages learn. What else? The coach above the line is watching and asking questions. He wants to help the player by asking, “What are you struggling with the most?” or “How can I help you?” A coach who lives above the line is also keenly watching the players, noting their behavior patterns.
Also, such a coach will always provide encouragement. This will reduce the stress a player will feel and put themselves in. Encouragement is needed to feed the player. Everyone desires to be encouraged. A coach who encourages a player will move a relationship further into a straight line, building trust. There are other things a coach who is living above the line can provide a player, such as time commitment to assist the player, and be praying for that player.
A coach who lives above the line is looking for opportunities when a player hits a wall. This is the moment when a player is open to receiving – either good or bad input. These are the KAIROS moments that make or break a relationship. This is the core of FC Grace – with Christ living in you, you are now becoming transformed from living below the line (selfish, prideful) to living above the line (humility, love, serving others). This is the ultimate coach.
With an encouraging above the line coach,
· Trust grows
· Service grows
· Loyalty grows
· Performance Increases
· Love grows
· Confidence grows
· Leadership is enhanced and develops
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