Bottom of the Ninth #22 - Active Faith

Active Faith

"What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Proactive faith! I must act, I must love, I must walk, and all in the name of justice, compassion, and humility. Competition in its purest form should include all of these. In our "reality" laden entertainment world, it is sometimes difficult to find the things that are required of us. How often have we witnessed these qualities and cheered for them when we watch or participate in baseball? Let us challenge ourselves to seek and support our Lord's requirements. Support justice by playing by the rules and allowing the umpire to be right (even when it is not to our benefit). Show mercy toward teammates and opposition (true for fans too) with an abundance of compassion. Walk humbly - in a game where a walk can be considered a loss to the pitcher and a shallow victory to the batter, it seems like no better time to exhibit humility. What a great metaphor for life that baseball gives us once again – we are called upon to lower our estimation of our own importance.

Lord, thank you for these requirements. Please touch our hearts with examples and opportunities to act justly, to show mercy, and be humble. Draw us closer to you as we do.