Calling and Taking Initiative

I grew up playing Little League baseball as a kid, and my coaches stressed the importance of fundamentals at the plate, on the mound, on the base paths and in the field.  One aspect of fielding we worked on was knowing what to do should the ball be hit your way.  If a fly ball came in your direction and a catch was likely possible, we were taught to "call" the ball by shouting audibly to communicate with other fielders.  There was also a pecking order to avoid dangerous collisions or dropped balls if a ball was hit between teammates.  An outfielder had the right to "call off" an infielder as their momentum was heading in the right direction, and the center fielder had the right of way over a converging right or left fielder.

Understanding the need to take initiative to call the ball before catching it was as important as knowing when to peel off and allow a teammate to make the catch.  This was not decided in the pressure filled moments of the game but during practice under the watchful eyes of coaches.  There was no time to debate or discuss while the ball sailed through the air, and knowing these unwritten rules helped players work together to win.  When it was time to move up to a new division those old rules stayed consistent and relevant, adopted without question because that is how baseball is meant to be played.  Baseball is a team sport, and making sure the 9 players on the field and those riding the pine (on the bench) understood their roles was an important key to success.

The concept of taking initiative to call a ball and knowing when to give way because you are "called off" by another fielder who is held responsible to do so reminds me a bit of how God has established complimentary roles in the marriage relationship:  a wife is called to submit to her husband as unto the LORD, and a husband is called to love his wife as Christ sacrificially loved the church.  A center fielder can choose not to call off an outfielder or infielder, but it is a judgment call he learns to make.  Many times the ball has fallen to the turf because the one who was meant to take initiative assumed the other fielder who called the ball had it covered.  When there is any doubt and the center fielder can make the catch, it is in the best interests of the whole team for the player to take charge and make the play.

The way a follower of Jesus "takes charge" is NOT like a center fielder who shouts to communicate but by denying and humbling self before God in faith, obedience and love.  Looking to the example of Jesus is critical for all Christians as we submit to one another in love, indwelt and led by the Holy Spirit.  Jesus did not tout His authority as the Son of God but made Himself of no reputation, chose to embrace the role of a servant, was made in the likeness of men and was obedient to God unto death.  Each child of God is to respond in obedience to the call of Jesus Christ to love one another, and yielding to Him is a key to walking uprightly.  Before we experience conflict, disagreements or pressure situations it is good to know our responsibilities before Him:  to love God and serve one another according to His command.