A Tale of Two First Year Coaches

A Modern Parable

Once upon a time there were two coaches who started out to coach. They were the finest of coaches of the sport called football.

The first coach wandered to the West and then wandered to the North Country. This coach did have experience, but he needed a new place to coach. Let's call his name Mike Leach. When he arrived at the school where he was to coach, he found the football team in much disarray; they were abysmal! "We must change the entire culture of the football team. We will be working very hard. Life will become very unpleasant, but, always remember, it is more fun to win than it is to lose. Stick with me and you will begin to win." Well, this was a tough word to hear for the football team, which shall be called Washington State. The team began to grumble; some even quit! When the trials of facing good football teams began in earnest, WSU began to lose. Lo, more men quit the team, and the coach was even heard to curse the team. Now, as we approach the end of the season, WSU is firmly seated in the cellar of the Pac12 North.

The second coach wandered to the West and then wandered to the South Country; he could even smell the roses. This coach also had experience but heeded a new place to coach. Let's call his name Jim Mora. When he arrived at the school where he was to coach, he found the football team in much disarray; they were abysmal! "We must change the entire culture of the football team. We will be working very hard. Life will become very unpleasant, but, always remember, it is more fun to win than it is to lose. Stick with me and you will begin to win." Well, this was a tough word to hear for the football team, which shall be called UCLA. But, this team listened to the coach. They followed his directions and, even though they had a lowly freshman for a Quarterback, when the rials of facing good football teams began in earnest, UCLA began to win. They continued to win and the coach rose up and pronounced them blessed. Now, as we approach the end of the season, UCLA is firmly seated as the champion of the Pac 12 South; they even dispatched the vaunted warriors of Troy!

A good team always needs a good coach. Many of us have a life coach (Oh, to be sure he is more than that,) in Jesus Christ. He tells us, "We must change our entire culture. Life can be hard and unpleasant, but it is better to win at life than to lose.

Unfortunately some hear these words and and want to quit. They don't do what the coach says. When the trials of life come upon them, they end up defeated. Some would say that it as if they built their house upon sand, with no foundation.

Others here these words and stand firm. They do as the coach says. When the trials of life come upon them, they reign as champions at life. Some would say that it is as if they built their house upon rock with a strong foundation.

I thought about this as I was watching football on Saturday. My apologies to Mike Leach and the WSU team, I understand that there is more to the story. I also apologize to the Apostle Matthew for trivializing some wonderful scripture.