Be a Joy to Lead / Guest Post by Butch Kaebel

I grew up in Pekin, Illinois. My parents, Karl and Susan Kaebel, are my heroes! I moved to Canada playing junior hockey and then played professional hockey for 12 seasons.

In 1990, I walked into my 1st NHL training camp with the St. Louis Blues. As I walked into the locker room, I was surrounded by some of the best players in the world. Players like Brett Hull, Adam Oates, John Stevens and Curtis Joseph; Young guns like Rod Brind’Amor, Nelson Emerson, Michel Mongeau and David Bruce; Super tough physical players like Kelly Chase, Tony Twist and Bob Bassen; Veteran players Harold Snepst and Paul MacLean; And finally, the Head Coach of the St. Louis Blues was hard-nosed Brain Sutter!

That off season, I trained extremely hard with the famous (Cardiac) Jack Blatherwick. Overspeed training and weight vest overload! I was prepared. As a Christian, I knew that God had ordered my steps! As I watched and observed the coaching staff, the All-Star players and the young players that camp, I noticed how great their attitudes and work ethic were and how important it was to be a joy to lead. I took this principle to heart. It is so important to be a joy to lead for your coaches, your pastors, and your parents. Hebrews 13:7 says, ““Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

It is hard to be a joy to lead when you want more playing time, feel frustrated, or disagree with a coach’s decision. Yet, this is one way you shine the light of Jesus and impact the world around you. Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Let your light shine! Be a joy to lead!

Your encouraging words are life to others and do not be involved with gossip and complaining. The Apostle Paul writes, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

Always carry yourself with strong, positive body language. Do not let your emotions control you, but instead be led by God’s Spirit and be positive. “The eye is the lamp of the body; so if your eye is clear [spiritually perceptive], your whole body will be full of light [benefiting from God's precepts]." Matthew 6:22

Always have a contributor not a consumer mentality. Don’t be consumed with what others can do for you; instead look for opportunities to pour into them! Jesus said, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45).

These three steps will help you in your Christian walk as an elite athlete. At my age now looking back, I understand how important it is to shine the light of Jesus in the athletic world. I’ve had many calls over the years from former teammates and players that have given their lives to Christ. Your athletic career does not last forever. Celebrate each day and each year with joy because it really is a privilege to use the gifts and talents God had given for the kingdom of God!