Key Verse:
Stay alert and be clearheaded. 1 Thessalonians 5:6b (NLT)
Last week we looked at the importance of muscle memory. Remember, using our muscle memory doesn’t require thought. But, wait! Every baseball player deliberately develops good muscle memory so he can be alert.
For example, let’s say there is a runner on first and the batter hits a ground ball between first and second. The second baseman will field the ball and throw it to the shortstop who will tag second before throwing the batter out at first.
The shortstop isn’t thinking; watch the ball, run to second base, raise my glove, open my glove, be sure the ball goes into the pocket of the glove, close the glove, avoid the runner, transfer the ball from the glove to my throwing hand, pivot towards first base, spot the first baseman, step in his direction, bring my throwing hand up, release the ball.
No! All of that is done using muscle memory; freeing him to carry out the mechanics of his position while staying alert!
Before the first pitch of every play, the minds of the players on the field are already engaged. They’re aware of their opponents and their locations on the field and they’re already thinking about how they need to respond if the ball comes their way.
Not everyone on the field of play is an active participant in every play.
Look back at the example, the only ones involved in the double play are second base, shortstop, and first base. Excluding the pitcher and catcher who are part of every play, there are four other players on the field who are not an active part of this play.
They still have to be alert. They don’t know where the ball will go until it’s hit. Once hit, they must make split second decisions based on training and experience.
What if the pitcher tips the ball with his glove as it passes by? Or the ball takes a bad hop? Or someone makes an error? That’s when everyone knowing and doing their part prevents a bad situation from becoming worse.
What if the second baseman doesn’t field the ball cleanly and it gets by him? If the right fielder is coming in as soon as the ball is hit, he’s able to field the ball, hold the runner at second, or possibly throw the batter out at first.
Maybe the throw from second baseman to shortstop is missed. Who’s his backup? And who’s supposed to backup the first baseman if the shortstop’s throw goes wide? You get the picture, right?!
Everyone on the field must be alert…
- –before the play,
- –during the play, and
- –until the play is complete.
As soon as one play is over, it’s time to think about the next play.
There is never a time when a player on the field doesn’t need to be alert and clearheaded!
So, what does any of this have to do with being a Jesus-follower?
There is never a time when we don’t need to be alert and clearheaded!
We have an opponent. He’s known by several names; Satan, the devil, the accuser, and the deceiver are just a few. He has an agenda and it’s not for our good. He uses every trick in the book to defeat us. Trickery (deception) is one of his favorites. Distraction is another favorite, but undermining our confidence in Jesus, each other, and our position in Christ is always his goal.
He wants to get into our heads.
He wants to deceive, distract, and disable us.
God’s word renews our mind and exposes the enemy and his tactics, and is one of the reasons reading our Bible is so important.
The longer we’ve been a Jesus-follower, the quicker we will see our opponent, recognize what he’s doing, and remember the correct response. Our previous training and experience help us practice good muscle memory which allows us to be alert to make right decisions no matter what our opponent puts into play.
Over the next three weeks, we’re going to discover ways to recognize and be alert to the three D’s.
Between Then and Now…
1 Notice the way you respond to the unexpected in your life. Are your responses based on what you know or what you feel? Talk to Jesus about what you learn and ask Him to help you be alert.
2 Use your Bible. Look up verses using the word alert. Notice the many different times and life situations we’re told to be alert. Watch for those same times and situations in your own life.
3 Be prepared. Learning new things requires practice, so be alert to the opportunities to practice making right responses to the situations you face this week.
Digging Deeper:
John 3:16-17, Romans 8:1-2, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, & 1 Peter 5:8
Reminder: Our enemy has already lost the game; he just refuses to admit it. Those who belong to Jesus can never be taken from Him (we’re permanently part of His team’s roster). Holy Spirit has sealed us in Christ (picture yourself being put inside an envelope and sealed inside with stamped wax). Our identity in Jesus and our eternal relationship with Him is secure!
If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.