The American League beat the National League 2-1 last night in the MLB All-Star game, thanks to Robinson Cano’s solo home run at the top of the 10th inning.
It was a tight game, filled with intriguing pitcher-batter duels and the usual pageantry and celebration of the game.
I enjoyed seeing the Latin descent Hall of Famers being honored, and also appreciated Fox adding some extra broadcast elements to the viewing experience.
Although this was a great baseball event, which brought current and former players and fans of all teams together, ultimately the game doesn’t really matter.
It no longer has World Series ramifications, and basically the game doesn’t count. It’s an exhibition game where guys go out to entertain and put on a show, but the outcome of their work has no true significance.
If we aren’t careful, we can end up viewing our own lives this way. We can get caught up in thinking what we do each day doesn’t really count for anything or the end result of our work is irrelevant.
However, our lives are much more important than an exhibition game, and what we do on earth matters for eternity.
When we surrender and make Jesus our Lord and Savior, by receiving the grace and forgiveness from God through Jesus’ death and resurrection for salvation (based on faith and not works), this decision matters.
Our response to His wonderful gift carries relevance because God has a plan to use us for His glory and redemptive work. He calls us to join Him in telling the world of His love and grace.
When we decide to follow His way, instead of pursue our own interests and desires during our time on earth, we are making choices that have eternal purpose.
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 (NLT), Paul writes about the importance of our work having lasting value:
“For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it.
“But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.
“But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.”
Our lives carry great meaning and purpose, and our work can have eternal value. Today, let’s not settle for “games that don’t count” or “irrelevant exhibition games.” Instead, let’s focus our efforts on what will last forever.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me purpose and value. I pray my life would be meaningful as I desire to serve You and point others to Jesus. Thank you for Your grace and mercy, and I pray my efforts would matter for eternity. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
