Are you relying on someone else’s legacy? When a coach takes over a program, or steps into greater leadership within a program such as jumping from a position coach to a coordinator, or from sub-varsity to a varsity position, whether they like it or not, they often inherit a past legacy. This can be good or frustrating depending upon who their predecessor was. There can be good or overwhelming expectations. You can easily lose focus of what really matters, the players in front of you. You can become overly reliant upon someone else’s past success, or naively think that your initial passion and energy will be all that your players and fellow coaches need to jump on board. These missteps can be detrimental to your team, but if you carry the same mentality over to your walk with Christ, it can be fatal.

Hebrews 3:7-19 summarizes the well-known story of Israel’s rebellion against God in the wilderness by rehearsing all the reasons why the Israelites failed to enter the promised land: they “Heard (God’s Word/commands) and yet rebelled” (v 16); they “sinned” (v 17); they “were disobedient” (v 18); and they exhibited “unbelief” (v 19). With this story of Israel's rebellion as the backdrop, verse 12 issues a clear warning to us: “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.” 

It’s important to remember that to “fall away” is not a reference to a genuine believer losing their salvation. It is a reference to someone who seems like a believer, but later proves to have a heart of unbelief. This passage teaches us three things: (1) privilege doesn’t guarantee saving faith, (2) no one is exempt from this warning, and (3) a good start doesn’t guarantee a good finish.

Privilege Doesn’t Guarantee Saving Faith

If anyone should have believed, it's the Israelites! They saw the 10 plagues inflicted upon Egypt, they saw God part the Red Sea and walk across on dry land, they had his word, the temple where his presence dwelled, and all the promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Yet, few believed. Just as a coach can’t live off of someone else’s legacy, a true Christian is one who must have personal faith and trust in Christ. It is a blessing to inherit a great program. It is wonderful to grow up with Christian parents and in a cultural environment that is friendly or at least not hostile to the gospel. Privileges are a blessing, but they don’t guarantee success and they can’t save you.

No One Is Exempt

Because of our pride, there is always the temptation to say, “That would never happen to me.” That’s why we all need accountability. Consider verse 13, “exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Accountability is a great ally in the battle against drifting away from our mission and purpose as coaches and disciples of Christ.

A Good Start Doesn’t Guarantee a Good Finish

Finally, it's relatively easy to start a new coaching position with excitement and optimism. Some start the Christian life the same way. The real test, however, is whether someone demonstrates perseverance, “For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end” (v 14). Steadfastness, consistency (not perfection) is the test of a true coach, and a true believer. We are not saved by our efforts, we are saved by the grace of God in Christ. But the Christian life still involves effort! As Michael Krueger says, “It is not passive and detached, but active and intentional” (Hebrews for You, 57). 

Conclusion

Hebrews will later compare the Christian life to running a race (12:1). Running is hard work that takes sacrifice and is often painful and exhausting even though it can be fun and rewarding. So is the life of a coach, especially the kind of coach that desires to make an impact and build a legacy, rather than ride the coattails of others. Great rewards await those who, by God’s grace, persevere and stay the course.