There is a very interesting twist in the career of Major League Baseball player, Bengie Molina. Earlier this season, he played 61 games for the San Francisco Giants. After a trade on July 1st, he went to the Texas Rangers and has played 57 games. Now, the Giants and Rangers are playing one another in the World Series. Because Molina has played enough games for both teams, Bengie gets a prized World Series Championship ring. regardless of which team wins.
(Now, don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve one. Bengie had a lot to do with both teams being where they are today. And, for those who follow MLB, the Molina brothers are well known.Yadier Molina plays for the St. Louis Cardinals and Jose Molina plays for the Toronto Blue Jays. If I’m not mistaken, they all have World Series Championship rings. )
But, I have to toss out the question. Is the ring diminished slightly if you aren’t on the winning team? Lots of other trades happened this season. Players come and go – something I greatly dislike!
This isn’t a fair comparison, but, since it sparked a bit of my devotional contemplation this morning , let’s redirect here to spiritual issues…
If you have put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and given your life over to His Lordship, then the battle is won. the victory is yours. BUT if you then you sit and don’t exercise your faith, what does your faith mean?
Is the hair standing up on the back of your next yet? Are you getting angry – perhaps theorizing I’m purporting some sort of “faith plus works?” Don’t worry – I’m not.
I can’t do anything to earn my salvation. Neither can you. It is through Christ alone.
I’m simply asking if you ponder James 2:20: “faith without works is dead.” I want to live out the faith to which I have been called. I want to know Christ more. I want to share Him with others more. I want to let others see Christ through me.
I am thrilled that the victory is already won and I am guaranteed the “prize.” I suppose what I am trying to say is that I want to fight the good fight throughout the entire race (see 2 Tim. 4). I want to go out swinging so those around me can enjoy it as well.
Ah – Monday morning contemplations… I hope this makes sense!
Yours in Christ,
Marty
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