BEHOLD, A BALL TEAM went forth to play a game of baseball. Just as the umpire was saying, “batter up,” the catcher for the home team arrived and took his place.
The center fielder didn’t arrive until the end of the first inning and the second baseman didn’t arrive until the second inning. The first baseman did not show up at all, but later sent his regrets and said that he had to go to a chicken dinner at Aunt Mary’s.
The third baseman likewise failed to come to the game, having been up late the night before and desired to spend the day in bed.
The left fielder felt need to visit another ball game across town.
The shortstop was present, but left his glove at home.
Two of the substitute fielders were away on a little weekend trip and couldn’t make it. But they were there in spirit.
VERILY, when the pitcher went into the box, he looked around for his teammates, and lo, his heart was heavy, for their places were empty. But the game was announced and the visitors were there in the stands, and there was nothing to do but to pitch and hope for the best.
SO THE PITCHER TIGHTENED HIS BELT, stepped into the box and did his best to put the ball over the plate, but he was not at his best, for he had to serve as pitcher, first baseman, and third baseman. There were loud boos from the stands while the home team was badly beaten. It was a disgrace to the noble game of baseball.
When the absent members of the defeated team heard that their team lost, a decision was made to get a new pitcher.
What About Us?
Are we not all guilty of letting down our team? Does the work of Christ suffer because of our being absent on those days when we could be present? Because of our being unprepared? Because of our forgetfulness or unconcern?
Let us remember that we are a group of people representing the team of Jesus Christ. Then let’s straighten out our list of priorities by putting His will above all else, and we will begin to see victories won in our lives and in the lives of people in our community.
--Adapted from the newsletter of Forest Hill Baptist Church, Jackson, Mississippi, date unknown.