Kobe Bryant’s 10 rules and how they relate to Biblical teachings
1. Get better every single day
1 Corinthians 9:24 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” College athletes must constantly push themselves to strive for excellence. This encourages us not to lose focus and keep striving, no matter the challenge, to reach our goals and obtain success. Let this serve as a reminder that improvement should never stop - get better every day.
2. Prove them wrong
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This reminds college athletes to stay humble and rely on faith rather than placing too much importance on what the world has to offer. It teaches us to trust God instead of seeking validation from others or relying on material possessions.
3. Work on your weaknesses
Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This scripture reminds college athletes to put their best effort into all tasks, no matter how small. We are encouraged to demonstrate the worthiness of God's blessings by dedicating ourselves and working hard on every job we are given.
4. Execute what you practiced
Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” College athletes are reminded to be diligent and consistent in their work. This passage encourages us to put effort into our actions, practice what we have learned, and execute it with precision to achieve success and reach our goals in college athletics.
5. Learn from greatness
Proverbs 3:34 says, “He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who understand.” The Bible encourages us to be humble and put our trust in God. This scripture speaks to the importance of learning from those more significant than us and using their experience and expertise as a guide for our growth. Learning from greatness is essential to achieve success in college athletics.
6. Learn from wins & losses
Proverbs 23:12 says, “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” College athletes must stay humble and use each experience, both successes and failures, as an opportunity for growth. This passage encourages us to learn from our wins and losses to become better athletes to excel in college athletics.
7. Practice mindfulness
Philippians 4:8 says, “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.” Disciplined college athletes regularly practice mindfulness in their actions and decisions. This passage encourages us to remain focused on our goals and make wise choices to help us excel in college athletics.
8. Be ambitious
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” The Bible encourages us to have a sense of ambition and trust in God. College athletes should strive for success, pushing themselves to their utmost potential to reach their goals with His help. Proverbs 16:3 is a valuable reminder of the importance of having ambition in athletics.
9. Believe in your team
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls, one can help the other up.” The Bible encourages us to believe in the strength and power of collaboration. This scripture speaks to the importance of believing in your team and working together to achieve success in college athletics. With everyone’s efforts combined, you will be able to reach your goals faster and more effectively.
10. Learn storytelling
Proverbs 1:4-5 says, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.” The Bible emphasizes storytelling's power and encourages us to share experiences and wisdom with others. In college athletics, the ability to craft compelling stories can help foster better relationships between athletes, coaches, fans, and anyone involved in the program.
