WHY BASEBALL SHOULDN’T BE FIRST

I have a deep appreciation for athletes.

I was one myself for many years. I played three sports in high school—football, soccer, and baseball—two sports in college—soccer and baseball—and even played professionally in baseball. While I no longer compete at the level I once did, I still consider myself an athlete. I may not move as fast or as hard as I used to, but the heart of an athlete stays with you.

What draws me to athletes is their commitment to doing hard things. In fact, they often learn to love the challenge of pushing through difficulty.

So why do they do it? Why do they embrace the struggle?

I believe it’s because they understand that the hard things are often the right things, the good things, and ultimately the best things.

The hard work that athletes put in is what leads to the greatest victories and rewards.

Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Just as in sports, where pushing through hard training and competition leads to victory, Jesus teaches that "the hard way leads to life." Following Him isn’t always easy—it requires discipline, a willingness to say no to the easy path, and a commitment to the harder, but better, road.

In John 10, Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”

Athlete, you were created for hard things. My challenge to you is this: start your walk with Jesus today. Develop a daily discipline of moving with Him. Choose the narrow path, and you will find life—true life, life in abundance!

Ben Orr, Ministry Director
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Southern California
borr@fca.org