The Little League World Series (LLWS) is well underway, and it's the perfect sporting event to wrap up the summer.
Sports fans are drawn to watching the young kids play baseball at a high level while seeing their youthful joy and excitement shine through. We're also reminded of the fun-filled summers we spent playing baseball as kids.
Major League Baseball joined in on the excitement again this year by holding the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Sunday. The Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Indians played the game in front of a smaller crowd than they’re used to, but it was filled with the players and families of those involved in the LLWS.
The game is always a huge success. While it's an exciting opportunity for the young players to interact with the MLB players before the game, the pro players are reminded of their young exuberance and why they first fell in love with the game of baseball.
As the LLWS takes place, the kids end up being wonderful examples of the genuineness, lightheartedness, and specialness found in sports…and we witness how true passion for the game begins.
In light of MLB players and fans learning from the LLWS kids, I’m also reminded how we can be inspired by children when it comes to our faith in Jesus.
Children aren’t caught up in all the trappings of the world and aren’t bogged down by the stresses and worries their parents face. Their dependence, trust, and genuine love for their parents show us what it's like to live with a level of freedom and lightheartedness.
Jesus points to a little child as His example in this important story from Matthew 18:1-4 (AMP):
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child and set him before them, and said, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent and become like children , you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”
Too often people want every answer to their big questions before believing and following Him. But we must think more along the lines of a child and demonstrate humility, trust, and total dependence so that we can experience all that God has in store for us.
For those of us who have followed Jesus for a while, let's embrace a childlike faith of trusting and forgiving as we never forget how our passion for Jesus first began.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for losing my passion for You at times, and just going through the motions. Please help me to live a life of faith, genuine humility, and total dependence on You. I pray I would be lighthearted instead of bogged down by the worries and stresses of life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What childlike characteristics do you wish you demonstrated more of?
What do you remember about your faith in Jesus when you first believed?
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