“Sustained Excellence” & “Consistency” of Bobby Cox

Growing up in the South during the 1990s, I couldn't help but cheer for the Atlanta Braves as I watched their games on TBS in the summer. They were a special team at the time, and their manager, Bobby Cox, led them to tremendous success year in, year out.

The Braves announced on Saturday that the Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox died at the age of 84.

He leaves a remarkable baseball legacy, having served as a manager for 29 years with the Toronto Blue Jays (four seasons) and the Atlanta Braves. He is fourth all-time in total wins with 2,504 and fourth all-time with 67 postseason wins.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred shared the following in a statement: "Bobby Cox led one of the greatest eras of sustained excellence in baseball history. As manager of the Braves, his clubs became an October fixture, representing consistency, professionalism, and championship-caliber baseball for an entire generation of fans.

"Through his leadership, eye for talent, and commitment to player development, Bobby helped shape the careers of numerous Hall of Famers and guided the Braves to Atlanta's first major professional sports championship in 1995."

That "sustained excellence" and "consistency" is represented by the run that began in 1991, which included 14 consecutive NL East divisional titles, five NL pennants, and the 1995 World Series title. 

His "leadership and commitment to player development" was demonstrated by the Hall of Famers he managed: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, and Fred McGriff.

Bobby was one of the best managers the sport has ever seen and will be greatly missed.

As we reflect on his life and career, the words Rob Manfred used carry weight for a manager, but they are also important for us to display in our own lives as followers of Jesus.

We want to pursue "sustained excellence" in everything we do, with motivations rooted in serving the Lord and building His Kingdom. Paul puts it this way in Colossians 3:23-24 (AMP):

"Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve."

Just like Bobby Cox and the Braves, we, too, want to represent "consistency,” specifically in our character and in how we treat others, being steady and consistently aligned with Jesus. 

Are we dependable "season after season" so others know what they're getting and know we're showing up? Or are we up and down, all over the place, and inconsistent from day to day? Do other people find that our lives are consistent with what we say and what we claim to believe?

If we truly want to be consistent, then we need to remain grounded and rooted in Jesus because He's the One who is ultimately reliable and dependable.

Isaiah 26:4 (NLT) encourages us to, "Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock."

To improve our consistency, we have to follow the One who never changes. Hebrews 13:8 ESV says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

We become steadier and more stable when we consistently seek Jesus and rely on Him as our foundation and strength. When we do, then we can live out the challenge in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT): "So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

Lastly, as we teach (manage/coach) others about Jesus and God's Word and make disciples, we too demonstrate "leadership and commitment to player development."

While seeking to have an impact on others and their spiritual growth (helping them become "Hall of Famers"), let's consider these verses:

"Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us" (Titus 2:7-8; ESV).

"Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives…" (Colossians 3:16; NLT).

Today, let's demonstrate “consistency, and "sustained excellence" as we follow Jesus and help develop others so we can make an eternal impact and leave a legacy of faith.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to demonstrate consistency and excellence in my life as I represent You, rely on You, and build my life on the foundation of Jesus. Help me make a difference in others' lives. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.