Get in the Game

I grew up a Los Angeles Dodgers fan. When I was a child we lived in L.A. and I had the opportunity to attend many games. The Dodgers had some good teams in the 70's and 80's, and I remember World Series victories and some of players and personalities of those teams.

One player in particular that comes to mind is Pedro Guerrero. He was a latin player who was a talented hitter, but who lacked a little bit in the field. Sometimes he played third base, and other times he played outfield. One thing that the managers noticed was that his batting average went down significantly when he was playing third. They found out later that he was hoping that the ball would not be hit to him when he was in the infield. He had no confidence at third base. He later admitted that he could never concentrate on hitting unless he was in the outfield.

It occurs to me that many Christians try to live their life this way in the church. They would rather be away from the line of fire, somewhere in the outfield. They do not want the ball hit to them. They want to be able to concentrate on other things. They do not want to be challeneged. They do not want to get in the game.

We need to get in the game because Christianity is not a spectator sport. If we believe that God truly has the power to take away our sins, we should also believe, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." We can do great work in the kingdom if we will just trust in God to help us.

We need to get in the game because Christianity is about effort, not perfection. People avoid church work because they are afraid they will not do it right. We need to remember God used fisherman to preach the gospel, and He usually used the lowest, most untrained people to change the world. Every person who comes to Christ is a sinner. Every person who works in the church is a sinner. It is guaranteed that elders, deacons, preachers, teachers, are going to commit some errors in their work. I am so thankful for those who will do the Lord's work, knowing that they are imperfect.

We need to get in the game because we are in a win or lose situation. People are depending on us. We should want the ball to come to us, because we can change the outcome. Too many people are playing another game on the wrong field. In the meantime, the majority of the world is going to spend eternity in hell. If we get in the game we will make a difference. If we do not get on the game, we will not get to share in the final victory.

- Luk 16:2 -

"So he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship..." ~ Luke 16:2