This unit explores how faith shapes the way coaches approach competition. Being a Christian doesn't remove the drive to compete, but it reorients motivation from fear, envy, or self-glory toward God-honoring excellence. Through healthy competition, rivals and teammates alike become tools God uses to sharpen character, deepen humility, and foster unity. By embracing this perspective, coaches can coach with freedom, integrity, and purpose, reflecting Christ in every contest. 

Unit Six – Rivals
 
Lesson One – Bible Verse for Coaches: Understanding Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 27:17 teaches that growth happens through challenge and relationship - "as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Teammates and rivals alike push us to improve physically, mentally, and spiritually, revealing weaknesses and refining character. By embracing these challenges with humility and gratitude, athletes allow God to shape their hearts and reflect His glory through their growth. 

Lesson Two – Hey Rival
The "Hey Rival" video encourages athletes to compete differently by grounding their identity in Christ rather than fear, pride, or external approval. Christian athletes are invited to play with freedom, integrity, and purpose, letting their faith shape how they pursue excellence. By focusing on glorifying God through effort and attitude, competition becomes a platform for witness, joy, and personal growth rather than mere victory or comparison. 
 
Lesson Three – What the Bible Teaches About Healthy Competition
Healthy competition is about striving together to sharpen one another, not competing for self-glory. The Bible shows that comparison can be productive when it motivates growth, but envy and pride threaten relationships and team unity. By competing with a heart at peace, athletes can embrace gratitude, prioritize the team, and find their identity and worth in God rather than performance.