The Carolina Panthers recently hired Frank Reich as their next head coach. I believe he’ll do a great job in Carolina, as he brings proven leadership to the team. While driving into the office recently, his brother Joe (the head football coach at Wingate University in the Charlotte area) was talking on the radio (WFNZ) about Frank becoming the Panthers’ new head coach. When asked to describe his brother, he convincingly explained how he is “very well thought out” and “he doesn’t do random.” With Frank, “every little detail of everything is going to be well thought out.” Joe went on to talk about the research Frank will do in the offseason and throughout the year and how he’ll evaluate every area of the program.

This means he’s strategic and intentional when it comes to the psychological approach he’ll take with the team, the science, the training, the sports performance, the weight room, and how they interview guys. I expect he has a well-thought-out plan for the Panthers to have success and become a winning franchise once again. I appreciate that he’s “very well thought out” as a coach, and when you hear him in interviews you can tell he actually thinks about what he’s going to say next and doesn’t rush his responses.

Being thought out is important for a head coach, but when it comes to our own responsibilities and roles in life, do we pursue being “very well thought out”? Do we plan, consider, research, evaluate, and diligently think through how we are going to lead our families well? Or are we careless, random, too spontaneous, or reactionary? Yes, there are times to be spontaneous and respond quickly, and we don’t want to overthink everything, but it’s always wise to be thoughtful.

Proverbs 14:15 (ESV) says, “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”

Proverbs 21:5 (ESV) declares, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

As leaders in our families, are we “very well thought out” as we study scripture to see how God would have us guide and equip our loved ones? Do we truly seek His guidance as we carefully prepare, examine, and ponder the best approach to every area of our lives? Do we have an intentional plan for how we are going to properly care for the souls of our wives and children, or are we aimlessly moving forward just hoping it will work itself out?

Today, while seeing there’s great value in football and life to being “very well thought out” and prepared, let’s be encouraged by 1 Peter 1:13 (AMP): “So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please show me how to be very well thought out and prepared to do what You call me to do. I pray I wouldn’t be so reactionary or thoughtless about the choices I make. Please guide me to be more diligent. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

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