So, it's summer now, which means swimming, camping, barbecuing, and if you're into sports, baseball. During my younger years, it was my favorite sport. We can really learn a lot from watching America's pastime, or most sports, for that matter. Christian musician Geoff Moore sang a song back in the mid-1990's called Home Run. The lyrics from one of the verses goes like this: "You know, life can be like a baseball game. We're on the same team, but we're not all the same. That's why we've got to learn to play together. I didn't join this team to sit on the bench. I'm goin' deep, swingin' for the fence. I got some friends on base I gotta get home." This hit song brings several Biblical concepts together. For starters, we all have our place in God's plan. Much like the members of any given athletic team all have their place. The pitcher gets the credit for a win, but the catcher is the one who calls the shots. The third baseman might get more hits his way than the right fielder, but both are important in their own way. In the same way, whatever place is God has for you in life, he's equipped you to do it. You are part of a team-the body of Christ. That leads me into the second concept, namely, that there will be opposition. In athletic terms, competition may be fierce at times, but it's intended to be respectful and friendly. Our opposition in life, however, is not such a good sport. The spiritual struggles we face are real. We must work together to overcome them. But, thirdly, we do all have a common goal, which is service to the Lord. The world is lost. We were once lost. But with faith in Jesus, we have purpose and direction again. We should always be taking advantage of the opportunities he gives us on a regular basis to show love to a fallen world. The chorus of Home Run, the states that "we're never alone; the coach is there to cheer us on." Never forget that he doesn't leave us to serve him alone. He's there right beside us.