"Therefore, I urge you,
brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living
sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do
not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His
good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans
12:1-2
There are two
patterns referred to in this well-known Scripture.
The
pattern of the world is mentioned but in contrast to God's pattern.
As I introduced in
yesterday's message (listen to it on www.fredwes.com) baseball has a familiar
and well-defined pattern as designed by its creator, Abner Doubleday. In order
to score a run the batter must connect with the ball and advance around the
bases in order and return to home plate.
If you hit the ball and
run to across the diamond to second base, you are out!
If you hit the ball and
run to first, round the base and head toward third, you are out!
If you hit the ball and
run to third base, you are out!
Anything done apart from
the pattern demanded by the rules of the game will result in the batter being
called out.
If you are going to play
baseball you must play according to the pattern prescribed by the rules.
In the same way, if you
want to win with God you must play according to his pattern! To play according
to God's pattern you must break from the pattern of the world.
The pattern of this
world, which is the pattern programmed in the human nature is to run the bases
backwards. Another name for the human nature is the “sinful nature”. This
nature is sinful precisely because it rebels against God’s pattern.
In the message
yesterday, using the story of Joseph, I outlined God’s pattern for spiritual
development. Home plate is the connection base. It is at home plate where you
connect with God by faith and discover His purpose and power for your life.
Like baseball, everything begins and ends at home plate. First base is the
character base. After you connect with God’s purpose and power, He will go to
work on your personal character. Second base is the community base. Connecting
with God at home and developing your character at first prepares you to win
with others. Third base is the competency base where you win results. Rounding
third base brings you back to home.
The Home Run life is the
life that is connected to God and touching all the bases according to His
pattern. Everyone can have this life but very few do. Only those who break free
from the pattern of this world can experience the Home Run life!
Which pattern runs your
life?
T