The Five Enemies of Greatness
Men, there’s something about sports analogies that resonates with us, especially when it comes to lessons.
With football season in full swing, this week we’re turning to some wisdom drawn from the coaching philosophy of Nick Saban, one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, and his perspective on pursuing greatness.
Now, before we all get hyped up and ready to tackle life, let’s clarify something. True greatness belongs to God. That’s our #1. HE deserves all the glory and honor.
But as men, we also want to give our best with the life God has given us. As husbands, dads, granddads, friends, leaders, and followers of Jesus, we should want to keep growing.
Saban’s coaching philosophy points to five things that can get in the way of greatness. He was talking about football, but we think they apply pretty well to the rest of life too.
And here’s what struck us: None of these depend on talent, athletic ability, intelligence, or natural skill. They’re about attitude, character, and the choices we make every day.
1. ENTITLEMENT: THINKING WE DESERVE SOMETHING
Entitlement tells us that because we’ve worked hard, showed up, sacrificed, or had success in the past, we’re owed something.
But nothing in sports or life is guaranteed.
As Christians, we can rejoice that through accepting JESUS and His death on the cross for US, we receive eternal life. That’s something we can take to the bank! But Jesus never promised us an easy life. We still need to wake up each day ready to show up, work, serve, and sacrifice.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” —Colossians 3:23
2. LACK OF DISCIPLINE: DOING WHAT’S RIGHT EVEN WHEN IT’S HARD
Discipline isn’t just showing up and working hard when we’re motivated.
It’s doing what’s right when we’re tired, frustrated, disappointed, or things aren’t going our way.
It’s staying engaged.
Giving our best effort.
Controlling our attitude and our words.
Choosing to encourage instead of complain.
Success in life isn’t built on talent alone. It’s built by people who consistently show up and choose to do the right thing.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” —Hebrews 12:11
3. CIRCUMSTANCES OVER VISION: DON’T LET OUR SITUATION DETERMINE OUR ATTITUDE
Do we have a clear line of sight on our long-term mission? Things won’t always go our way. We’ll make mistakes. We’ll disagree with decisions others make. We’ll get knocked down. Sometimes, we’ll simply draw the short straw. But we cannot allow our circumstances to determine how we treat others, how hard we work, or the kind of men we choose to be.
Our circumstances change. Our mission to honor God doesn’t.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11
4. SELF-PITY: FOCUSING ON WHAT WE DON’T HAVE
Self-pity is one of the fastest ways to get us off mission.
When we become consumed with our own frustrations, we stop seeing the people around us. We stop celebrating with others. We stop encouraging. And we start comparing.
Sometimes, without even realizing it, we bring other people into our frustration. It’s okay to be disappointed. It’s okay to want more. Those feelings are real. But Romans 12:15 challenges us to look beyond ourselves. Celebrate when others succeed. Support them when they struggle.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” —Romans 12:15
5. COMPLACENCY: THINKING WE’VE ALREADY DONE ENOUGH
Are we getting too comfortable?
Are we sitting on past success and riding off into the sunset?
Maybe we’ve accomplished a lot in life. Maybe we’re just getting started.
Either way, we still haven’t found the Scripture that tells us to kick back, get comfortable, and coast through the rest of life. 😊
If we want to make Jesus smile and finish strong, we should probably ask ourselves:
Where have I become complacent?
In my faith?
My marriage?
As a dad or granddad?
At work?
In serving others?
“For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.” —Proverbs 1:32
WHICH ONE IS GETTING IN OUR WAY?
Gents, maybe that’s the challenge for this week. Look at the five again:
Entitlement.
Discipline.
Circumstances.
Self-pity.
Complacency.
Which one has been creeping into your life? Greatness in God’s eyes isn’t about trophies, titles, money, recognition, or winning. It’s about faithfully using what He has given us and becoming the men He has called us to be.
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