March 13, 2015

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

Second base is often called “scoring position” because a runner can make it to home plate from second base if a team mate hits a single. A lot of good things happen at second base.

In the Home Run life second base is the community base where you learn to live in love with others.  A lot of good things can happen at second base and second base positions you for more good things to happen.

But you can’t get to second unless you connect with God at home plate and develop His character at first base.  Love is first experienced at home plate when a connection in made with God. Love is expanded at first base as God’s character is developed in you. Love is then expressed at second base giving evidence that what happened at home and first is real.

To win in baseball you must run the bases in order once you have connected with the ball for a hit at home plate. Once you hit the ball you cannot stand at home plate but you must run to first as fast as you can. If you run to third you will be out. If you try to run across the diamond to second base you will be out. If you fail to run or stand in the batter’s box at home plate you will be out. There are no exceptions – ever! You play by the rules or you lose!

The same is true in the Home Run life! There is an order to spiritual growth! Spiritual growth is dynamic and progressive. While spiritual growth begins with connecting to God by faith it cannot end there. You’re not saved to stand you are saved to run! You’re not saved just to know but also to grow. Growth happens in four primary areas – your personal relationship with God, your personal character development, your relationship with other Christians and your spiritual production – home plate, first base, second base and third base.

Once you start running the bases you must continue connection with God and covering the bases. As you continue rounding the bases and touching home the scores add up! As you continue to run according to His pattern you progress spiritually. You will move from Tee Ball level to Little League to Pony League to High School level to College level to Minor Leagues and perhaps to the Big Leagues.

In baseball and in the Christian life everything begins and ends in God! There is a pattern of progress that MUST be followed – connecting with God, character development, learn community and reap results. That is how winning baseball happens and it is also how growth in God happens!

Are you in the game?

Are you connected with God?

What base are you currently occupying?

What’s your plan for getting to the next base?

Are you playing to win?