Devotionals

Play for the Coach and Not the Crowd

by Michael Edwards 
06/08/26
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In the game of life, the stands roar with voices—opinions, expectations, applause, and criticism from the crowd. Yet the wise athlete fixes their eyes on one voice: the coach. For the believer, that Coach is God Himself. We are called to play for His approval alone, not the fickle cheers or jeers of people. This singular focus brings profound freedom, peace, and victory.

The fear of man is a constant snare. “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe” (Proverbs 29:25 ESV). Trying to please the crowd divides our hearts and exhausts our souls. No matter how hard we strive, some will always disapprove. As Jesus warned, “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you” (Luke 6:26 ESV). The crowd is inconsistent; God is not.

Scripture repeatedly urges us to please God rather than people. Paul boldly declares, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 ESV). He lived this out, speaking “not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV). Our calling is clear: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23 ESV).

When we play wholeheartedly for the Coach, wonderful things happen. “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7 ESV). God Himself steps in and handles our opponents. Jesus modeled perfect obedience to the Father. He declared, “I do not seek my own glory” (John 8:50 ESV), while the Pharisees loved “the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God” (John 12:43 ESV)—a tragic exchange. In contrast, we are freed by the truth that “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6 ESV; see also Hebrews 13:6 ESV).

Listening to one voice simplifies everything. The crowd’s demands pull us in countless directions, breeding anxiety and compromise. But when we fix our eyes on God, His Word becomes our playbook. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2 ESV). We aim to please Him in all things: “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him” (2 Corinthians 5:9 ESV). Without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6 ESV), but trusting Him brings safety and reward.

Some will still reject us when we play for the Coach. So what? Jesus was despised and rejected, yet He finished His race in triumph. Our reward is not earthly applause but the Master’s “Well done.” In a noisy world, tune your ear to His voice through prayer, Scripture, and the Spirit. Obey Him boldly. The fear of man loses its power when the fear of the Lord—reverent awe—rules our hearts.

Prayer: Heavenly Coach, forgive us for chasing the crowd’s approval. Help us play wholeheartedly for You alone. Quiet the voices of fear and fill us with bold trust. May we please You in every decision, word, and deed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.