Spiritual Small Ball

When it came to the game of baseball, my dad always had an appreciation for "small ball" to manufacture runs.  While hitting home runs and driving balls to the outfield gaps are flashy and impressive, my dad loved it when the batter noticed the infielders playing deep and dropped down a bunt for a base hit.  He would cheer what is called a "sacrifice bunt," when the batter bunts to move runners to the next base--even though he would be out at first.  Moving the runners set the table for the next hitter to drive in runs rather than grounding into an inning-ending double play trying to be a hero.

As a kid, I never quite understood the draw to small ball.  Preceding the All-Star Game Major League Baseball hosts a "home run derby" where the league's best sluggers compete to see who can hit the most home runs.  They never had a bunt derby (and never will), though bunting remains a fundamental skill most players ought to practice and master.  Many games have been won by splashy home runs, but well-placed bunts have also resulted in famous victories.  Unexpected bunts have ended no-hitters and created opportunities for baserunners that broke games wide open.

When it comes to Christian service, my desire is to do my best and make the greatest impact possible.  I would like every sermon I preach to be like a fastball hit out of the park.  The thought came to mind today that just as the manager gives the sign to "swing away," he may also give the sign to "bunt" or "hit and run."  The player may want to swing for the fences at every opportunity, wanting the chance to make the big play and win the game in an instant, but the batter needs to follow the sign given from the coach.  The LORD may choose to do the equivalent in spiritual matters, to call for a bunt or to even take a pitch rather than swinging:  it is not God's design every sermon will be a home run.  Laying down a bunt to move the runner along may be the manager's call, and to execute the play is always the right call.

The harder a batter tries to swing, the easier it is to miss.  We can make the mistake in spiritual matters to put all the pressure on ourselves to do everything, to win a battle with a single swing of the bat when there are many other players on our team who also can make meaningful contributions for a team victory.  Isn't this encouraging to consider in regards to the church?  Even when we fail in our execution and strike out, having done our best, we can trust Jesus has power to redeem all for good and His glory.  Our Little League managers used to give out game balls as trophies to a kid who hit a home run as well as the player who laid down a sacrifice bunt.  I believe God is even more generous with His rewards He gives those who love and serve Him the best we can.