More than the final score

Recently, I attended a local soccer match my son was playing in. It was a mid-week match against the other U16’s team from the same club. It was also a ‘top of the table’ clash between my son’s team – who were in 2nd place – and the other team, who were in 1st place.

There’s always some rivalry when teams from the same club play against each other; and this match was no different. Late in the season, with finals on the horizon, there were points and some bragging rights to play for.

My son didn’t think his team would win, but they started positively and kept their heads during the first half. By half time, our team was leading 2-0. By the end of the match, our team had won 3-2.

Their position on the table didn’t change, but the top team had just been beaten. The coach for my son’s team remained calm (mostly!) throughout the match. Sure, he rode every kick, tackle and shot on goal as if he was still out there, but he remained calm and encouraging.

The opposition’s coach, however, was a different picture. Continually shouting at his players to get into position, questioning the referee and being generally quite animated, he was a study in a different approach.

At the end of the match, he could be heard berating his players in the change rooms long after my son’s team were changed and out.

I find the study of leadership fascinating.

I believe that the leadership of any organisation influences the behaviour and culture of its members and adherents. It creates the environment in which the organisation operates. Lead by corruption, deceit and selfishness, and that’s how the organisation will behave. Lead with compassion, hard work and a heart for others and that’s what you’ll get.

If you’ll allow me to stretch this analogy, then God sets the standard for what he requires of his followers. Micah 6:8 says: The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands:

“See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”

As people of faith, it is our responsibility to reflect God’s love for us to others.

Go and do likewise.