Life Lessons With NFL Coach Doug Pederson

I recently had the opportunity to interview Florida’s newest NFL Coach Doug Pederson. Doug is one of four NFL coaches to win a Superbowl as both a player and a coach—so he knows a lot about overcoming adversity and preparing for victory, both on and off the field. Here are four life lessons that Coach Doug shared and how they relate to our spiritual lives: 

1. Create Energy

If you are going to bring energy wherever you go, you have to stay energized yourself. The best way to do this is by starting your day with God. Spend the first 15-30 minutes every morning in the Word so you can become an energy giver, not an energy stealer. You have to spiritually stay in shape if you want the light of Christ to shine through you. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said: 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

It should be your goal to bring light and optimism into every day. When you are spiritually in shape, you can shine brightly and affect the whole atmosphere around you. 

2. Eliminate Distractions 

One of the biggest battles you have to win is the battle of self-doubt and hesitation. When you are secure with who you are in Christ, that gives you the stability to focus on the right things. The devil will tell you that you aren’t good enough, but you have to eliminate these distractions to prioritize what’s most important. Philippians 4:8 tells us, 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” 

The Apostle Paul tells us what to think about in this verse. This is the mindset of a champion—focused on the truth rather than the doubts. 

3. Fear Nothing

We live in a culture today where a spirit of fear and anxiety runs high. If you want to rise above the cultural climate and eliminate fear, it depends on how you prepare. Your preparation eliminates fear. How? Preparation produces confidence, and confidence produces courage. Examine how much time you spend in the Word, in prayer, or with other believers. All of these things contribute to eliminating fear in our lives. 

“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

4. Attack Everything 

Be prayed up and stay in the Word to be ready when adversity happens. God doesn’t want you to play on defense, reacting to everything life throws at you. Instead, God wants you on offense, living intentionally and proactively. When we are aggressive, we are prepared. We respond from a place of strength instead of reacting from a place of weakness. 

 Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

When we are spiritually in shape—focused and secure in who we are in Christ—we can attack everything and win at life.

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