Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, Jack Nicklaus … what do these three all have in common? They were some of the best athletes ever in their sport and were extremely skilled at their craft.
One of my favorite Bible verses comes from Proverbs 22:29. It reads, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings, he will not serve before obscure men.”
I was recently asked why I coach and specifically why I came back to Concordia. Basketball has always been a passion of mine. I love the competitiveness, the intensity, the bond with teammates and stepping outside your comfort zone to be the best that you can be. On top of all of that, we get to wear a cross on our jersey here at Concordia and that’s what it’s all about.
Mixing basketball with Christ at the center is why I coach and how I want to make an impact in these young kids’ lives. Through basketball, and sports in general, you can learn so many life lessons as you go through the process.
All of that leads me to my Bible verse from Proverbs. The coach in me is always looking to see how I can make scripture applicable to my team and coaching staff. I love this verse because the word that comes to mind is “excellence.”
Back in biblical times, to be in the presence of the king was a big deal! If you ever got any time in front of them they better be confident, prepared and skilled. In life, it is easy to be average — to go through the motions and be complacent.
In sports, that happens all the time. In order to be excellent, we have to use the talents and skills we have been given to the best of our ability. By pursuing excellence we ultimately give ourselves the best chance to be successful.
We have a King that is greater than any earthly king ever was or will be. He used his skills to heal the sick, turn water into wine and calm the seas. His ultimate example was dying and rising to give us eternal life with him.
Concordia Lutheran High School gives us the platform to be excellent in our faith, the classroom and our passions. It is a community that embraces the challenge to be the best we can be all while pursuing that opportunity to dance before Him in heaven some day!
Austin Thoms
Head Boys Basketball Coach