The English dictionary defines a coach as a mentor, teacher, trainer, tutor, or educator. In Muscogee Creek Native American language, a student would call their teacher Mvhayv, pronounced Mahiya; in Japanese, someone may call their teacher Sensei.
But a life coach is different than the dictionary definition. Life coaching approaches a conversation with the learner differently. Coaches do not just teach what someone should do; they help individuals discover what they should do to be their best. The coach does so by using active listening skills, asking in-depth questions, expanding thought processes, identifying limiting belief systems, designing action steps, and following up with accountability.
As western culture believers attending a Sunday service, we seldom give any attention or thought to what is preached after we hear it. We have not developed the art of critical thinking, which is not the same as criticism. Critical thinking is disciplined, clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence. Thinking about what was preached, discovering the deeper personal meaning of what you heard, and receiving insight into your life is critical.
I think of Mr Miyagi (Sensei) in the movie Karate Kid. He was trying to teach Daniel the principles of the art through practical service. Daniel could only see the hard work but not the lesson learned in the work. Similar to many believers, they don’t learn lessons for their personal life from the Scripture because they do not know how to meditate and assimilate the teaching.
They may memorize the written Word but miss the principles and revelation the Holy Spirit wants to impart from the Word. No one can give another person revelation. Coaches can only give information and may sometimes be an inspiration. But only the Holy Spirit gives revelation and impartation that brings transformation in a person’s life.
Many who attend a Sunday service are open to being taught by the pastor, but few are willing for the pastor to touch their life as a coach. A coach needs permission from their student to disciple them and to challenge their mindsets and methods of operation. People are often too enmeshed in their mindsets and methods which leads to feelings of being attacked and offense when challenged.
I thank God for the Holy Spirit, the greatest coach of all. I am grateful for those the Lord has brought into my life who challenge me to grow in my potential. Often, they challenge me beyond my skill set and comfort zone. The Holy Spirit is so patient with us as we grow. He doesn’t expect us to be perfect; He expects us to be willing to be perfected.
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
The Greek word for perfect is Teleios, commonly translated as “perfect.” We read in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” However, this translation is less than perfect as the original Greek telesis means wholeness and completeness that happens at the end of something. When we see Him face to face at the end of our days, we will be like Him. Just as God is complete, whole and perfect, Jesus inspires us to live in His completeness, knowing we are being perfected by His love.
Living, Loving and Leading Well 