I’ve always loved allegories. They help me grasp deep spiritual truths in a fresh and memorable way. Jesus often taught with simple stories that pointed to eternal realities. Now, I’ll admit that I’m not a big baseball fan—but I know many people are! So imagine, for a moment, that the Christian life is like a baseball game…
A Baseball Story
Once upon a time there was a father who loved baseball. He wanted everyone to be able to play. So he sent his son to buy a very expensive field. This field was so big that it cost his son all that he had to buy it. The father then invited everyone to play baseball. Anyone could come and be on the team. They didn’t have to have money, good looks, or even athletic ability. He would accept anyone—even the handicapped, even the dirty children from the slums could come and be on the team and play baseball.
The father and owner of this unique baseball team gave them everything they needed to play. He supplied them with food and water, as well as uniforms and equipment. He also put a coach in charge to teach them the rules of the game and how to play.
The coach corrected them as needed, even rebuked them at times, but always with loving kindness. He trained them not only how to play, but how to win. Sometimes the team thought it unfair when the coach made them run around the field a million times, or practice batting until their arms felt like they would fall off, but the coach told them this discipline was necessary to be the best team players they could be.
He also told them that this baseball team was very different than any other; they would have to play and play and play until the son was done making preparations for a big party that would follow the game. The coach told them that prizes would be given to those who played well, and that all of this hard work would be worth it!
The time for the game came. It was the Saints versus the Lions. Excitement, mingled with trepidation, filled the air of the locker room. The coach gathered the team around for the pre-game pep talk.
“You can do it!” he said with confidence in his voice. “I know that we’re going to win! The outcome is already known. I was told this by the father himself, who’s not only the owner but also in total control. So go out there and play with all your heart and soul! Remember all I taught you. Be alert to those tricky curveballs and fast pitches! And if the pitcher throws a ball that hits you, don’t be intimidated!
“Watch out also for those trying to steal bases, for they don’t play fair. Keep your eye on the ball. Don’t be distracted by the people in the stands or the vendors selling hot dogs! Just play your best. If you fail, it’s okay. Learn from your mistakes and keep pressing on. Most of all, remember that I am with you. I will guide you as you play.”
The team went out pumped up, and the game started. At times the Saints were winning. At times the Lions were winning. The competition was fierce! At times the Saints were so far behind, that it looked impossible for them to win. They got disheartened, but the coach kept encouraging them, telling them that it would be well worth it.
When they got hurt, the coach comforted them, took care of their injuries, and sent them back out to play once they recovered.
| The more they played, the more unified they became as a team. They cheered when someone made a hit or caught the ball for an out. They sympathized when someone struck out. They spurred each other on to keep playing their best. |  |
However, some got so discouraged that they quit the game and sat on the bench. The coach and other team members went over often and tried to help those dispirited players get back into the game. Some did, but others were so overwhelmed by their fears and depression, that they just stayed on the bench. Nevertheless, they were still part of the team, for once you were on the team you were always on it. It was sad, though, because they were missing out on the joy and thrill of playing the game and doing their best—not to mention the loss of rewards they would have received at the big party.
| The team kept playing and playing, waiting for the return of the son and hoping it was soon. They played well and enjoyed the thrill of hitting a home run or sliding into home plate. |  |
They enjoyed one another and experienced a great sense of belonging and esprit de corps. They also kept inviting people in the stands to come and join their team.
Some players even went out into the streets and into other ball games, inviting people to join their team. They knew no one would be able to go to the party after the game unless they had joined this team. It didn’t matter how much they cheered or paid to get in to see this game, or were playing in their own baseball game. Only if they had accepted the father’s invitation to join his team would they be able to go to the party, even if it was during the very last inning.
Finally, the preparations for the party were done and the long-awaited return of the son came. The Saints won by a landslide! Then everybody on the team went to the much-talked-about party. There were lots of delicious foods, singing, and dancing. There was so much laughter and joy that it was almost too much to take in!
The best part, though— everyone was able to thank the father and the son in person, face to face, for the awesome privilege of being on this special baseball team. And this party went on and on and on….
My friend, God invites each of us to join His team—to learn, grow, and play our part in His game. He guides us with love, corrects us when needed, and never leaves us alone. And just like the players who made it to the party, those who accept His invitation will share in the greatest celebration of all—eternal life with Him (Jn 10:27-28, Heb 12:11).
So let me ask you:
Are you playing in the game or sitting on the bench?
Are you sure you’re on the Father’s team?
Go here if you’re not sure.
Other Allegories:
The Master’s Garden: An Allegory of Abiding in the Vine (book)
Putting on Our Spiritual Hiking Boots: Lessons Learned from Hiking
Having a Pity Party? 10 Tips on How to Leave!
Lessons from the Nutcracker Ballet
A Baseball Story: Meaning of Allegorical Symbols
Father and owner = God the Father
Son = Jesus Christ our Savior
Coach = Holy Spirit
Big party = heaven
Saints = believers in the Lord Jesus Christ
Lions = anyone opposed to God/the world’s system