Mentoring Our Boys –

Colts win Super Bowl XLI

Tony Dungy became the first black head coach to win the Super Bowl when his Colts defeated the Chicago Bears on February 4, 2007. What makes his story so pertinent to the subject of mentoring our boys is the character and faith of this man. Coach Dungy is well know for his faith in Christ and his proper priorities in life - in spite of his affiliation with professional football.

Coach Dungy offers a great story for our young male athletes. In his book Quiet Strength, he tells the story of his life, his success, and his faith. It would be a great read for a young athlete who is growing and maturing in his athletic endeavors as well as his Christian manhood.

Coach Dungy shares this:

“The competing views of success in our world often create an interesting tension. Society tends to define success in terms of accomplishments and awards, material possessions, and profit margins. In the football business, winning is the only thing that matters.

God’s Word, however, presents a different definition of success - one centered on a relationship with Jesus Christ and a love for God that allows us to love and serve others. God gives each one of us unique gifts, abilities, and passions. How well we use those qualities to have an impact on the world around us determines how “successful” we really are.

If we get caught up in chasing what the world defines as success, we can use our time and talent to do some great things. We might even become famous. But in the end, what will it mean?

What will people remember us for? Are other people’s lives better because we lived? Did we make a difference? Did we use to the fullest the gifts and abilities God gave us? Did we give our best effort, and did we do it for the right reasons?

God’s definition of success is really one of significance - the significant difference our lives can make in the lives of others. This significance doesn’t show up in win-loss records, long resumes, or the trophies gathering dust on the mantels. It’s found in the hearts and lives of those we’ve come across who are in some way better because of the way we lived.”

From Quiet Strength - The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life, 2007, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Squires2Knights Ministries

Squires2Knights Ministries encourages these same attributes for male teenage athletes. Our resources teach principles, practices and priorities for Christ-centered manhood. For more, go to http://boysyouthsports.com/index.html

Posted on May 15th, 2009 by Jeff Purkiss
Filed under: Cultural Issues, Fathering/Mentoring, Guy Kinda Fun