Yesterday afternoon New York Mets pitcher, Noah Syndergaard, accomplished the incredible feat of throwing a 1-0 shutout of the Cincinnati Reds and scoring the game’s lone run with his homer.

Yes, he didn’t give up any runs while pitching and scored the game’s only run as a batter…with some saying he single-handedly won the game!

Sam Miller has written an article about this extraordinary accomplishment on ESPN.com and comments that his friend considers this a “True Win.”

Miller goes on to explain that “A True Win requires two things: The pitcher must complete the game, i.e. he doesn’t require any other member of the pitching staff to get outs. And he must have more home runs than runs allowed, i.e. he didn’t require any other member of the lineup to contribute.”

At the end of the article, Miller brings up the truth about a “True Win” with this perspective:

“Well, there’s a small flaw in the premise. The premise is that the pitcher did it all, didn’t need his teammates at all, not for a single run or a single out. But, of course, Syndergaard didn’t strike out 27 batters. He needed his defense. It wasn’t True if ‘True’ means he could have pulled it off with you and me and five of our unathletic friends playing behind him.”

Although I’m blown away by what Syndergaard did as a batter and hitter, and that it appears he won this game on his own, the reality is he still needed his teammates and coaches to pull it off.

Oftentimes in life, we find ourselves pursuing a “True Win” – trying to do everything on our own. We don’t think we need anyone else’s help or input or support, but sooner or later realize “we need a defense” because nothing of significance can be done alone.

The other mindset to be cautious of is believing that others don’t need our help or support. We remain laser focused on our own needs and desires and forget that people need us to provide them “defense” and contribute to their lives. Simply put, we need each other and it’s the only way we truly win.

Hebrews 6:10 (NLT) says, “For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”

Of course, we can’t do anything apart from God. His power within us enables us to be generous and care for each other, as well as, willingly share with one another.

The Bible encourages us with these two verses:

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:16; ESV).

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13; NLT).

Today, let’s make sure we have the proper understanding of what a “True Win” is and remember Syndergaard’s “home run-shutout” wouldn’t have happened without his defense!

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, teach me to fight against trying to do so much on my own. I pray I’d rely on others, recognize my need for them, and be willing to ask for help. Please show me how to be caring and generous toward others, as well. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.