6.2.25
Hey, Calvary Fremont –
What stands still and yet progresses at the same time? One of my granddaughters is in the 10 & Under Softball League. This is where the catcher throws the ball to the pitcher, and it goes over her head and so the 2nd baseman has to retrieve it and when she throws it back to the pitcher it hits the ground and careens away from the pitcher and so the catcher has to chase it down. Thankfully, the pitcher catches the ball when the catcher throws it back to her. Multiply this by 40! Yet, in spite of these torturous fumbles and delays, the atmosphere remains positive, friendly, and hopeful. And though the pitcher is pitching, and the batters are swinging, and the girls are chanting, nothing really electrifies the crowd like the crack of the bat against a pitched ball. Twenty private pockets of conversation and banter all erupt into a single focus of shouts and cheers.
Before the hit, the game is progressing and yet is stalled at the same time. It is progressing in that innings are passing, but it is stalled in that there are no hits and no runs and no score. But once the crack of the bat fills the air, the atmosphere is electrified. Parents stand up where they are seated; iPads and iPhones are lowered; conversations are put on hold and all attention is drawn to the runner. Will she make it to first base? Will she proceed to second base when the 3rd baseman overthrows the pitcher and the first baseman scrambles to retrieve the ball before it rolls into the dugout? Everything changes with the crack of the bat.
The Christian life can be likened to a 10 & Under softball game. Your life in Christ is going along routinely – you’re reading your Bible, saying your prayers, going to church, connecting with other Christians, etc. It’s not that anything is wrong, per se, but like the softball game, it’s progressing and stalled at the same time. All the rules are being followed, but this doesn’t bring victory in and of itself. What interrupts this rhythm of the routine? What disrupts this march of the mundane? In a word – obedience. Even as the crack of the ball against the bat sends the hitter running the bases, so the crack of obedience to the commands of Christ will turn your routine walk into a passionate pursuit of a goal. My limited baseball experience taught me that there is nothing quite like running the bases. It’s exhilarating!
The Apostle Paul sees himself as running the bases. He says in Philippians 3, “I PRESS ON SO THAT I MAY LAY HOLD OF THAT FOR WHICH ALSO I WAS LAID HOLD OF BY CHRIST JESUS.” I’m not sure what base Paul is on, but he’s looking to make it all the way to home plate. And that doesn’t mean heaven – that means conformity to Jesus Christ. Every act of obedience brings you closer to Christlike character. It’s not the routines of Christianity, but obedience to Christ that molds and shapes what your soul will look like.
When you finally decide to be generous with the monies God has blessed you with – your soul is shaped to look more like Christ.
When you forgive that coworker who took the credit for your idea – your soul is shaped to look more like Christ.
When you confess your drug addiction and bondage to porn and move into accountability relationships with people who can walk with you through this – your soul is shaped to look more like Christ.
When you determine to share Christ with your circle of friends – your soul is shaped to look more like Christ.
When you move away from judging all who don’t share your theological persuasions, philosophical positions, and political ideology – your soul is shaped to look more like Christ.
When you are humble toward your spouse and a servant to your children – your soul is shaped to look more like Christ.
Multiply by 1,000.
May the crack of obedience to the commands of Christ fill your life! You are never the loser when you obey Christ.
Be blessed and stay healthy and follow Jesus – Pastor Tim
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