“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God who we serve is able to deliver us out of your hand, O King. But even if He does not let it be known to you, O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)

Peer pressure can be a powerful tool for good or bad. Players on teams can challenge one another to take their bodies beyond what they ever thought was possible. They can provide accountability to help individuals and teams accomplish stated goals. Then there can be individuals on teams that use their influence to draw teammates down the wrong path. I’ve seen older players prey on rookies, pressuring them to make choices that adversely affect the rookies both personally and professionally.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedengo were three young men far from home in a foreign land. Who would have known if they bowed down and gave in to the king’s wishes? What would that have hurt? These young men were committed to the one true God and would rather die in a furnace of blazing fire than bow down and give in at Nebuchadnezzar’s command! Refusing to bow down allowed them to experience a great deliverance from the Lord.

Coach, how can you help your players to become stronger in their faith in Jesus Christ today? Let us know on our OneCoach Twitter Page or visit our OneCoach Facebook page.

– Mickey Weston serves as the Executive Director of Unlimited Potential Inc. He played five seasons in the MLB for the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.

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