LESSON 1: INTEGRITY

Ready

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” (Proverbs 11:3).

Set

I used to think integrity was doing the right thing even when no one is watching. I now think integrity is doing the right thing as if someone is watching.

Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. How many coaches or players have you seen compromise integrity?

1. Recruiting violations by coaches.
2. Coaches turning a blind eye to players cutting corners or even engaging in illegal activity.
3. Players taking performance-enhancing drugs.

Every player or coach caught cheating has some version of the same answer. Sure, the initial response is always denial. But, at some point, once it’s clear they’re guilty, they always respond with some version of, “I just wanted to win at all cost.”

We can all justify cutting corners, but integrity demands otherwise. So why is integrity so important for us as Christian coaches?

First, we tell our players to do the right thing, no matter what.

We tell our players there are no shortcuts to success. These are not merely on-the-field lessons; they are life lessons. Acting with integrity is the ultimate example of doing the right thing no matter what and exemplifying that there are no shortcuts to success.

Second, people are watching and scrutinizing Christian coaches—waiting for us to slip up or act hypocritically.

Perhaps nothing damages our witness more than failing to act with integrity, as the credibility we gain from our players and others, which provides a platform to share God’s Word, is damaged when others can’t trust us.

Third, not only are people watching, but God is watching.

Consider these verses:

• “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3 NIV).
• “But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the Lord, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23 NLT).
• As a result, Paul provides sound advice: “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” (2 Corinthians 8:21 NIV).

Go

1. Read Proverbs 28:6. This verse speaks to the importance of integrity. Why is this true?
2. How do we reconcile that many seem to benefit from a lack of integrity and many of us don’t seem to benefit from acting with integrity? How does Proverbs 11:3 prove to be true?
3. Discuss the ways you have accountability in ensuring coaches act with integrity. Also, discuss the ways you need more accountability to ensure that you’re acting with integrity.