Long Gone Summer is the latest 30 for 30 documentary on ESPN, which explores one of baseball’s most exciting seasons. In 1998, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa blasted home runs night after night and ultimately broke Roger Maris’ 37-year-old single-season record for home runs.
Sosa and McGwire both passed his record of 61 home runs as Sosa hit 66 out of the park and McGwire sent 70 balls over the fence. With so many fans valuing the home run, they became huge baseball stars.
As a young sports fan, I enjoyed watching both these players hit home runs so often, and made my way to the TV whenever they were at the plate. What a thrill to see them go for the record at the same time and push each other to do so throughout the summer.
Whether watching on TV or sitting in the ballpark, nothing gets us fans out of our seats quite like a ball being crushed by a batter...and thinking back on that 1998 season, I'm reminded of how captivated we can be by the home run.
Home runs have always been a big deal, but after that incredible summer, young baseball players realized the true value of a home run. In turn, they specifically emphasized being able to hit the long ball and set out to become a home run hitter.
Alex Rodriguez once shared the following:
“If you can articulate what you value, and what you’re looking for, players of this caliber of athleticism can turn themselves into it. It’s kind of standing the test of time, where guys know that runs are valuable, and the ones that have the capability to do it — meaning the strength — are lifting the ball a little bit more and putting more balls in the seats.”
I believe this truth about baseball players valuing the home run and becoming home run hitters can translate to how we place value in our own lives. As we inspect our hearts and determine what’s most important to us, there's a correlation to what we’re becoming.
If we value being a faithful spouse, a loving parent, and a reliable worker, then we'll do what it takes to become those things. However, that can only happen in the right way when we first value God and rely on His power above our own. It’s Christ living in us that transforms us from the inside-out.
If we place our ultimate value and importance on loving and serving God and relying on His strength to change our character, then we can become a faithful spouse, a loving parent, and a reliable worker.
After all, 1 Timothy 4:8 (ESV) tells us, "...for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
We can clearly see that the MLB values the home run. When we view our own lives, what do we value? Do we value God enough to place everything else as secondary?
In Matthew 13:44 (ESV), Jesus uses a parable of the hidden treasure to shed light on valuing the kingdom of heaven: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
Today, are we willing to give up everything else in order to place our highest value on God and His kingdom?
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know I place value on some things that don’t really matter. Please help me place the most value on bringing You glory and following Jesus, so that I can become more like Him. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What do you value the most?
How has what you value determined your character and what you've become?
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