More and more it seems, for better and for worse, athletes can and do move from team to team. They look to land in new spots, grow and exercise their athletic authority. These transfers are starting at an earlier and earlier age and persisting straight through to the pro ranks. And it's not just happening among players; coaches are on the move like never before too.

In today's passage, God gives a few thumb rules on how transfers should take place. A real youngster (Joash) moved to the throne as King of Judah. A good priest (Jehoiada) was boldly involved in this process that toppled the existing reign of a bad, usurping queen (Athaliah). The transfer was bold and worked.

Here are three transfer principles we see outlined in the Word today:

1. DON'T SELF-PROMOTE. Joash didn't try to get what he wanted or what he felt like he deserved -- the crown that was rightfully his. He trusted God with his promotion, with the timing and spacing of everything. Let promotion come from above.
2. LET A GODLY PERSON ASSIST THE TRANSFER. Seek wise, spiritual counsel. Don't go it alone. Let godly people join you in the journey. Fight to be flanked.
3. MAKE COVENANT COUNT. Pact with God. Don't reduce things to basic “business decisions.” A copy of the covenant was given to Joash as he became king. It became his character compass and guiding, grounding northstar moving forward.

Athlete, are you trusting God with your moves, your longings for promotion? Who's your Jehoiada, your grounding friend, your spiritual advocate and mentor for the moves you make? Finally, what spiritual guidelines govern your life and inform your every rank?

Prayer to consider today: LORD, thanks for these guidelines, Your transfer rules. Help me to be in compliance with them. I only want move for You and with You.