I don't know about you, but the Beatitudes were always very confusing to me.  Like Jim, my personal narrative of believing I could earn God's favor through my actions led me to assume that this list Jesus gave us was a prescription for how to get GOD to be happy with me.  I  was not many of the things described, so even though I knew they were from the greatest sermon ever given, I was troubled.  Should I ask to be persecuted?  Was I wrong to be joyful?  This important chapter frames His kingdom and its inclusive nature.   I hope it sheds light for you like it did for me!

1. Back in Jesus's time, there were 5 stipulations about who the kingdom was for? What were these 5 requirements for the Jewish kingdom of God? Since that included most people, can you imagine how radical His teaching was that we are ALL invited to join him in the Kingdom of God?
2. So the Beatitudes are not a set of virtues that divide the haves and the have nots, but are "words of hope and healing to those who have been marginalized." Who are those people today? Are any of them on your team?
3. "Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness". What a description of a Godly person, someone who is starved for righteousness. What would be the outcome if this became your coaching goal? How would your players react?
4. The people mentioned in the Beatitudes are not blessed because they are in those conditions. They are blessed because of Jesus! Do you think the characteristics in the beatitudes lead to power, prestige, or victories? Jim writes on page 64, "Those who are in Christ become living beatitudes, walking talking, blessings to the world". Is this an image that is easy or hard for you to understand?
5. Re-read the excerpt from Radical Hospitality on page 66. Think about how sports are a world of inclusion and exclusion, and how problems on teams usually come from exclusion. Then act on some of the suggestions Jim gives us to practice hospitality with your team. How did they feel? Did you see a difference in attitudes?

These first chapters of the Good and Beautiful Life are the foundation for the rest of the book. The remaining chapters begin with, "learning to live with...." I believe they are very powerful and will equip you in specific ways to coach by His kingdom principles. Remember, this is a slow process. Try to share what you are learning with someone right there with you. Or blog about it....(:

Almost October. Practice begins soon. Go Get Em!

Keep the Faith

Jane