March 15, 2015

"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just a Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

Second base is about loving others and living in Christian community with God's people. Second base is the evidence that you have done first base well.

Here's an important truth about your relationship with other people: you will either love them or you will leverage them. 

When you love someone you are preoccupied with how you can serve them or encourage them or bless them or comfort them. When you don't truly love them you find yourself calculating how they can serve you or help you or benefit you in some way.

There is a world of difference between those two attitudes!

Paul wrote to the Ephesians that they are to love as God loves and walk in His way of love.

What does that look like?

Keep your word!

One of the many ways God proves His love for you is by keeping His Word! So must you!

It is hard to love someone you can't trust and you won't trust someone who continually breaks his word.

Love is built on trust and respect but how can you trust or respect one who doesn't keep his word?

Keep your calendar aligned with your relationships!

Another way that love is demonstrated is through giving time to the one you love. Life is made of time so when you make time for someone you are sharing your life with them!

Think about it! When God wanted to demonstrate His love to a lost and dying world He stepped out of eternity and into time!

You will make time for the things you love! Make sure you love the right things! 

Every day of your life, carve out home plate time to connect with God. Plan first base time to allow God to work on your character. Set aside second base time to fellowship with and serve others. And schedule third base time so you can enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

Keep short accounts!

If the Omniscient Eternal God of the universe chooses to forgive AND then forgive your sins, shouldn't you be quick to forgive others?

As a follower of Christ you are commanded to forgive others, so why not do it quickly rather than eventually?

Here are some helpful suggestions to execute this plan:

• Forgive what you can't fix

God extended grace to you and continues to do so! Why should you not be willing grace others with forgiveness. If you don't grace them you will disgrace yourself and God.

• Bitterness is unnecessary baggage

Hebrews 12:14-15 says, "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

• When you get wronged - get right

Will you spend your life being either a victim or a victor, It is entirely your choice!

You can cry and complain over what has happened to you or you can choose to correct your attitude. You can become angry over your wrongs or you can act in love and do what's right.

"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Ephesians 4:26

Second base is where you learn to win with people. Winning with people requires you to lose you pride, your arrogance, your selfishness, your spite and your ego. 

Second base reveals whether or not you have spent enough time at home plate and first base.