Irons Family Characteristics

Guest blogger Derek coming to you live from Green Drive this morning. Having our first child over a year ago has changed our lives in countless ways, but one of them is spending a lot of time considering how we should raise our son. As a coach, I've always felt like there are certain characteristics that must be in place for players that are non-negotiables for me. Things like effort, competing, and finishing are things I try to prioritize with our players and try to address everytime they are not at an acceptable level. It is overwhelming to think of all the characteristics that we want our son to have, so we decided to pick out what we believed were the five most important to us, as revealed in the Bible. While we certainly hope to instill more than just these five, these are the ones we believe are non-negotiable and will always try to be consistent in implementing. This started as the list we wanted to instill in our children, but it soon became clear that we can't instill in our children things that are not found in us, so it became a list for the entire Irons Family. It starts with me, then Leslie, then our children. We felt it was important to base each one on scripture, so that our whole family understands these aren't based on our culture, the time we live in, or our personal opinions, but on the matchless and perfect Word of God.


Selfless - We will put the needs of others before ourselves everyday. This may include family, friends, church members, or teammates. It’s not about me.

Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others too and what they are doing. -Philippians 2:3-4

Strong - We will handle adversity and overcome it. We will persevere through difficult circumstances and move forward. We will conduct ourselves with integrity and stand up for what is right. Do things the right way, even if those around you are not.

I command you, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9

Honest/Trustworthy - We will do what we say we will do. Always tell the truth.

Just say a simple “Yes, I will” or No, I won’t”. Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong.  -Matthew 5:37

Compassionate - We will love others generously. Help and give to others freely. Be kind and gentle in spirit to those around you.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. -John 13: 34

Self-Controlled - We are responsible for and control our actions. We will strive to behave in a manner that is Christ-like. We will be able to walk away from or say no to things that contradict God’s word. We will strive to be above reproach.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. -Galatians 5:24

Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. -Deuteronomy 6:4-9


As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord -Joshua 24:15