Sounds of “Play ball,” along with other signs of spring, are in the air.
While spring doesn’t officially begin until March 20, spring training for Major League Baseball began several days ago.
With the sounds of baseball and hopeful signs of spring all around us, this month’s featured devotion focuses on numerous MLB players who walk the talk. Del Duduit’s Dugout Devotions, ©2019 by Iron Stream Books, provides thirty days of inspiration based on the lives of many Major League Baseball players willing to share their faith.
Each devotion begins with scripture and then highlights a player’s career and personal spiritual journey. Included at the end of each devotional are “On Deck” and “Step up to the Plate” sections designed to encourage readers to apply that baseball player’s philosophy to their own lives.
For example, Aaron Judge, outfielder for the New York Yankees, believes in being bold about his faith. His Twitter profile reads, “Christ. Faith, Family, then baseball”; and he includes 2 Corinthians 5:7 on his profile picture.
With more than 300,000 Twitter followers, Aaron Judge boldly serves the Lord and provides a great example for others to follow.
In this devotion’s “Step up the Plate” section, author Del Duduit suggests several ways we too can be the salt and light for others: maintaining a friendly attitude, praying over meals in public, using social media to encourage and not discourage others.
“It doesn’t matter if you are at Yankee Stadium or a small grocery store. Demonstrate an indisputable witness for Christ and make a difference wherever you are.”
Another devotion highlights the Christian example of Albert Pujols, first baseman for the LA Angels.
“Albert capitalizes on every opportunity he can to praise God. If people don’t get a chance to hear him talk about the Lord, his spikes still present the message of Christ—Philippians 4:13 appears on one shoe, and the other displays Romans 5:19.”
(Personal side note: Pujols’ spikes brought back fond memories of the “I can” statement I kept on the wall behind my classroom desk. When we were required to post our students’ state performance objectives in the form of ‘I Can’ statements each week, I chose to post Philippians 4:13 as my personal objective for every day.)
Playing baseball or living life requires discipline and perseverance. We CAN do whatever God calls us to do!
Like a pre-spring crocus or daffodil that refuses to give up until it rears its beautiful crown above the earth, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”—Romans 5:1-4
Navigating Minefields, ©2021 by End Game Press, refers to discipline and perseverance as grit. This book, while not marketed specifically as a devotional, could be used as a sixty-day source of instruction on how to “step up to the plate” and face the trials of life.
In this “young man’s blueprint for success,” authors Victoria Duerstock and Bethany Jett have created a powerhouse of advice suitable for parents to share with children, teachers to share with students, and young people to digest independently.
In the chapter entitled “Grit,” the authors advise, “Dig deep. Work hard. Persevere.”
“Where’d I Put My Moral Compass?” encourages readers to reflect upon their character:
“And this is what true leadership looks like. A true leader is known for his integrity, his presence under fire, and his compassion for others. A true leader doesn’t wait to be invited to lead; instead, he takes charge because he understands the need and is willing to help. A leader doesn’t count his own cost; rather, he understands that sometimes sacrifices are required when serving others.”
I can imagine that many of the MLB players mentioned in Dugout Devotions have applied these leadership traits to their own lives, traits that have made them the successes whom young people admire.
My nephew is a huge baseball fan. He will tell you one of the highlights of his young life was a trip to Atlanta in March of 2018 to see the Braves play in Sun Trust Park. He remembers seeing his hero Hank Aaron and his favorite 1st baseman, Freddie Freeman.
I love the fact that my nephew admires Freddie Freeman. He provides the kind of Christian example I believe more people should try to emulate. From a young age as a Mississippi Brave to more recent years as an Atlanta Brave, he has never been afraid to share his faith.
As we all journey through this month of madness, let us be aware that we may encounter losses and possible setbacks. We may be required to navigate some minefields.
(Don’t forget that Caesar was warned to beware the Ides of March, and look what happened to him!)
Nonetheless, if we maintain faith and perseverance, if we immerse ourselves in the Word and follow His commands, we can become a shining example for others to follow. Let’s make sure to include a devotional in our workout every day.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”—Hebrews 12:1-3
No matter our occupations, we all have the opportunity to play on God’s team. Whether we are parents, coaches, teachers, engineers, mechanics, preachers, or professional ball players, someone is watching our every move. Someone sees the examples we set and how we play the game.
Let’s be sure to read and study the Rule Book, and then play ball to the best of our ability!
For more sports-related devotionals, check out Del Duduit’s First Down Devotionals: Inspirational Hits from the NFL’s Best and his new release, Sports Shorts, due out later this month.
“There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first or last time. I owe him my best.”—Joe DiMaggio
“Take this tiny heap of my talents and my brokenness alike, this jumble of what is best and worst in me, and meld it to the greater work of your Spirit, using each facet as you will, so that, even as sunlight coursing through a cracked prism, your grace might somehow be revealed upon this stage in whatever gloried and peculiar patterns you have fashioned me to display.”—Douglas Kaine McKelvey from Every Moment Holy
“In the Old Testament, the meal offering consisted of fine flour that was ground to powder by being placed in a round hole, where it was grated by a square pestle.”—The Joy of My Heart by Anne Graham Lotz
“This above all: to thine own self be true.”—Shakespeare
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”—Jackie Robinson
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.”—Titus 2:7
Matthew 5:16; Proverbs 22:6; Colossians 3:16
