As a 16-year-old prep athlete, I witnessed a dramatic completion to our Seguin High School baseball campaign. We made it all the way to the championship game in Harlingen, Texas.
And, we were blessed with the 1960 AAA high school trophy, which included individual medals for all the participants.
That game will always be cherished by those who traveled south to witness our star senior pitcher, Charley “Chuck” Hartenstein, throw a perfect game. Not one of our opponent players made it to first base in the seven-inning game.
Significant success takes teamwork. That was best described with a miraculous catch by senior right fielder Jeep Kiel making a diving catch for the final out.
Other outstanding senior players were Joel Tigett and Yankee Camarillo, who caught the no-hitter.
Even though my vantage point was from the bench, we were all part of that team effort and all shared in the joy of victory.
The Apostle Paul presents the concept of teamwork in his first letter to the Christians in Corinth. In the early part of chapter 12, he addresses the spiritual gifts God has generously distributed to those who follow Christ Jesus, describing how all the parts of a body must work together.
Riding the bench was not easy, but our coach apparently knew what he was doing. He started nine players who had produced victories again and again.
Our bench players were just as important and we had to be ready to step up to the plate when needed.
We all shared in the victory of the moment and will always remember that game, which was the last for seven starting seniors.
Being on God’s team requires us to always be prepared to share the hope we have in Christ. We must never let the Enemy gain a foothold that might be divisive.
Sadly, we are faced with divisive tactics in our federal, state and local governments. It would be wonderful to see our government work closely as a team for the good of America.
I’m certain God is not pleased with the antics of certain politicians on both sides of the aisle. We need to do more than simply start off Congress with some chaplain asking for God’s blessing over the matters at hand.
What saddens me even more is the divisiveness prevalent in the Body of Christian believers.
Unfortunately, certain shepherds in the universal church present a diluted false Gospel message that is not pleasing to our Lord and Savior. I can only hope that these wolves in sheep’s clothing will be discovered and removed from the Body.
What’s most important is this: All followers of Christ must hold onto the discernment only available through the Holy Spirit.
May His Team grow exponentially and to God be the glory forever and ever!