One Degree Off by Rick Radcliffe

Huddle Update
5-13-21
One Degree Off!
There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 14:12
              Being a coach takes a lot of obedience to be successful.  We know that there is a correct way to run our programs. The obedience I am talking about is defined as- Fulfilling instructions so that the one I am serving will be fully satisfied and pleased. That is a big task to attempt and complete. 
              The coaching profession takes a lot of sacrifice of time and energy.  You are trying to provide a positive experience for all of your athletes while at the same time trying to teach some life-long lessons.
              There are guidelines and rules to follow for our sports, additional rules from our athletic associations, and even laws from our state that govern out sports.  You have the ethical responsibility to follow all these guidelines and rules. How many times have you thought about bending the rules? You know just a small tweak here and there.  Maybe you overlook the players participation rule so that you can get a player some more playing time. Maybe it’s overlooking a team rule because losing the player would hurt the team. You know how you compromise yourself to stay away from problems.
              While it may seem that these are just little compromises, I call it being “One Degree Off”.  While one degree may seem miniscule initially, as the lines are extended the gap becomes wider. In the sport of orienteering this can have a significant impact.
At one degree off:
At 90 feet you are off 18 inches
At 1 mile you are off by 86 feet
At 60 miles you are off by a mile
At 600 miles you are off by 10 miles
At 6000 miles you are off by 100 miles
Another way of describing what happens if you are “one degree off” is if you are flying from New York to Sidney, Australia you would land hundreds of miles away in the outback. 
              This is what happens when we stray from God’s plan for our life. Oh, I know its only little compromises like gossiping with our friends when we have something juicy to spread. Or maybe its just the little white lies that all people tell. Think about the impact all these little compromises will have on you over your lifetime.  I know we are all good people and do good things. It won’t hurt to stray a little.
              There are times when God will use a close friend, or family member to challenge us in an area that needs to be addressed. It is never fun or easy to have our weaknesses and faults pointed out to us.  It is necessary to search your heart and ask God to help you be obedient in all areas of your life. So be careful as being just one degree off can have a negative impact on your life. So, get connected with God so that He can search your heart and help you get rid of the compromises that throw you “One Degree Off”.
Questions
How do you feel about the “One Degree Off” illustration?  Why is being off one degree a big deal?  What steps are needed to get back into alignment when you get off track?
Is your team obedient to your directions as a coach? Why or why not?  What are the consequences of disobedience on your team?
What are the ramifications of living obediently or disobediently in the context of your career, your friends, and at home and with God?
Have a great weekend!!

Rick Radcliffe | Central Iowa | Field Ambassador