Baseball

Well, that word came out of left field. (Sorry – I couldn’t resist that one.) It is that time of the year when the best teams are striving for that coveted title of world series champion. To achieve that, it’s necessary that every single player from each team uses their talents, whether their skill is hitting the winning home run or throwing the most accurate fast ball, in order to strike out the opposing team. But you and I know it takes more than one player’s talent to win the World Series. It requires bringing together all the different strengths from every team member to the game – every game. And that requirement extends far beyond the game of baseball. Being a part of a team, whether it’s two people or a larger group, means bringing your A game every day. It’s never giving up. I experienced that when my husband and I owned a business and worked together every day. It wasn’t always easy; and yes, we had our differences. However, we also recognized that each of us had our particular strengths that made our team and business successful. As Christians, I think of the hundreds of ways we are called each day to work together as a team – in our families, our marriages, friendships, and definitely when we’re worshiping in His house. It’s the only way to win the game of living as Jesus desired us to live. Long ago, over 2,000 plus years ago, do you doubt Jesus knew what He was doing when He chose His team – His disciples? Jesus’ team of twelve, so varied in what they were bringing to the very beginning of Christianty! He recognized their strengths (and weaknesses), but knew together as a team they had potential and talent. Consider this – still today, Jesus is placing His hand on your shoulder, asking you to follow Him – be part of His team. How amazing is that? What will future generations say about us and how we continued in the footsteps of the original twelve? He has chosen each of us because He sees our talents and what each of us can bring to the team for the ultimate victory. I, for one, am raising my hand. How about you? Let’s together be part of His amazing team of disciples.

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother.  They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.  And he said to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’  At once they left their nets and followed him.”  Matthew 4:18-20