The Dangers of Pride

"Let not the foot of pride come against me..."- Psalm 36:11

Pride. It was the root of the very first sin and the downfall of Lucifer who is now known as Satan. It so easily slithers its way into our hearts without us even noticing it. The Bible refers to pride as an abomination to God, and that it is something the Lord despises (Proverbs 6:16-17). Although the world tries to tell us it is harmless, nothing could be further from the truth. Pride severs us from receiving the blessings and mercy that is given to a humble heart. The Devil whispers in our ears the lie that we are self-sufficient, that we are "pretty good" and we believe him all the while forgetting the Source from whom all blessings flow. In fact, Daniel 4:23 mentions that even our very breaths are in God's hands. That means that, whether we are saved or unsaved, God gives us every breath we have and at any time He could stop those breaths. Whatever a person is prideful about I can guarantee two things about it. Either it is a gift from God and we have no reason to be prideful about it or we actually do not have what we are prideful of (I.e. we are deceiving ourselves into thinking that we have a talent, quality etc. that we don't actually have). Also if anyone is reading this and saying,"I think I'm pretty humble; I don't have a problem with this," please think again because, believe me, pride has already taken a foot hold in your life.
As those who have put our trust in Christ alone for salvation, it is extremely important that we deal with pride in our lives. Christ died and rose again so that we could walk in newness of life and be free from the chains of sin and pride, yet we go right ahead and put those chains on again. We don't realize how much that grieves our Lord. Let's turn from this sin and walk in the new life God has given us. It is essential to see that all we have is from God. Everything is His gift. Read verses like Romans 12:3 and Proverbs 6:16-17, 16:5,18. These verses can help us with the pride in our lives.

Coach Tom Edinger

The Lord has really blessed my basketball team and myself with a great coach. He has made it a goal to instill in us not only a deeper ability to play basketball, but also a deeper relationship with God. Before my team's basketball season ended, I asked our coach Tom Edinger if he could write a post for me about what is like to be a Christian basketball coach. He accepted and here it is:


When I was asked to be a Christian Basketball coach four year ago I had apprehensions. First: never coached boys in an organize program. Second: has God prepared me for this journey? Third: if I do take this position, will it be for the glory of God my Savior.


Today, the praise of God for all the blessing received, not only from seeing boys grow into young men, but also their testimonies of what God has accomplished in their life’s these short four years.

Playing football, basketball, Track and Field from 6th– 12th grade in public school bring lots of glory to one’s self, but years later finding myself empty of the enjoyment and competitiveness of sports. Don't get me wrong, I'm very competitive now and still hate to lose.

But now, a measure of grace to testify to the one called “The lamb of God” Jesus.

Christ, who now sits at the right hand of the father executing the father’s will has moved within my soul to bring back the love of the game called basketball, with a new desire serve him.

The event of being “Born Again” changed not only attitude towards competitiveness but also gave me the patience to let the work of the Holy Spirit change my heart in which all the issues of life come.

Now, coaching a basketball team has brought great joy and peace to my heart and a ministry unto him who deserves it.



The team called Charger’s;

It's now at the point where losing a game would disappoint their teammates more than me. When that happens, I've done all I can. Now I just have to coach the game. They’re starting to play for each other and have come together like a family.

We predetermine how we would conduct ourselves in public, especially during games. Corinthians 10:31, which simply states, “Whatever you do….do it all for the glory of God.” This is our testimony in which God has blessed this team. As a coach I could not be more proud of them for their love of the Lord Jesus and the abilities God has given them to use for his glory.

To be a Christian Coach:

Teaching the fundamentals of the game, including dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding and handling the ball through drills at each practice, Determine the best offense and defense for the next game based on their skills and instruct them in floor position. Combining different types of defense based on the opposing team's strengths and weaknesses running man-to-man defense or using a zone to defend. Be patient. A major part of being a Christian coach is teaching. (Corinthians 10:31) Spend as much time on the basics as possible.

Not every coach is a great one, but by the “Grace of God” I can be a good one.

Charges’ Coach