Time to Take The Field
Earlier today I was struck with an idea in an image, a vision if you will, of a baseball team. Though I have never played organized baseball beyond tee-ball, the vision was emphatically clear. It was a metaphor of the church.
Baseball players all have specific positions on the field. Some are better at the quick moves required on the infield, others at making the adjustments needed and having the leg speed to cover the relative vastness of the outfield. One is specialized at delivering the ball, and another specialized at catching it. There are multiple coaches, some working with the pitchers, others focusing on other aspects of the game, and finally, the GM who heads up the whole show.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting
ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its
work. – Ephesians 4:15,16
The team trains, each person on the team studies and practices his role, and finally, the team suits up in the team's uniform bearing the team's name, and…
You see, that is where the vision turned odd. The team was all practiced up, all suited up, and fully equipped…
…BUT NEVER LEFT THE DUGOUT AND TOOK THE FIELD.
Our churches are not the game. Our churches are the locker room where we put on the name of Christ. The dugout is where we prepare for the upcoming challenge, but eventually, we have to take the field, each to our own position, and take on our opponent who stands at the plate waiting. On the field is where churches become "the Church".
Do not be confused.
WE ARE NOT THE SPECTATORS.
WHEN YOU CHOSE TO FOLLOW CHRIST, YOU LEFT THE STANDS.
Now it is time to take the field.
Are you ready to play ball and get a little dirt on your knees, or are you hangin' in the dugout?
Tags: baseball, christian, Christianity, faith, team
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Sep 25, 2009
Couldn’t agree more with the toolbox. Sometimes I feel like a tool… but thats for another post.
See you soon. We are on our way down to build in Mexico in three weeks or so!!
Sep 25, 2009
HiYa, Chad!
I love the analogy of the baseball team. I’m working on a “concept” called God’s Tool Box. If God is a chef, he has many different spices to use for seasoning. If God is an artist, he has many different mediums to employ. If God is a builder he has many different, speciliazed tools to accomplish his work. WE ARE THE SPICES; WE ARE THE PAINTS, BRUSHES, CHISELS, ART SUPPLIES; WE ARE THE ASSORTED TOOLS FOR HIS USE. Say HI to Amy, Dillon, and Emily for me – Poppa Mark.
Sep 18, 2009
Hey… if you wanted to stretch the analogy, we could call you the groundcrew that keeps the field in great shape! Wait, maybe not. Oh well.
Play Ball!
Sep 16, 2009
like it a lot; good analogy. makes me want to do it!
)
one thing: some people (ahem, me) are really good at picking flowers in the outfield instead of actually catching the ball (just saying…