He was known as the Yankee Clipper, not for his sailing, or his hair cutting abilities, but for the graceful way he played baseball. Playing center field for the Yankees as no one had before, he was also to hit in 56 straight games in 1941, on his way to the Hall of Fame. He was Joe DiMaggio, Joltin' Joe, and to many a hero. During an afternoon game, where the Yankees were winning big, Joe hit a meaningless ball to short, but ran full speed, as if the game depended on it. When back in the dugout, and questioned why he ran so hard, he replied, "because there may be someone in the stands who had never seen Joe DiMaggio play before." So whether from a prideful, or from a professional viewpoint, he gave it his all.
At Pac Bell Park, Theresa and I had scalped some tickets. Barry Bonds, was on his way to rewriting records for his hitting, and the place was full that afternoon. But I will always remember the game, as this is when I lost complete respect for Bonds. On two occasions, he dogged balls hit to him in left field, both times allowing the hitter to get an extra base. And lazily throwing the ball back both times. And on another made a half-hearted attempt, and when the ball went by, watched as the center fielder retrieved it, although Barry was still closer. Stats may get him into the Hall of Fame, but never in my heart. Joltin Joe' he ain't.
And I remember watching Willie Mays as a Met, at the end of his career. His legs tired, he couldn't get to fly ball he usually easily would have, but still gave chase, giving it his all, for he was Willie Mays, and still played the game as it ought to be played. Sadly, his Godson, Barry must have missed the game that day, for he never got the lesson.
Jesus tells us we will be witnesses to the whole world. A witness, not go out witnessing. And it bothers me that some can turn on the Christianity, and go witnessing, but in their lives as commanded are a lousy witness. A witness can only tell what he knows, and if you don't know Jesus, you are a lousy witness, and probably an even lousier person to go witnessing. You see, someone is always watching, and our reactions are more important than our actions. They watch as you react to cancer, job loss,or the death of a loved one. And then wonder why your message is different when you go witnessing. People notice when you don't walk your talk. Hypocrites, the world calls them, and it is sad, for the joy of the Lord isn't in those who are not an effective witness in their daily lives. And someone is always watching, you just don't realize it.
Jesus reminds us, in the Lord's prayer, on earth as it is in heaven. And how God is always in control. Job is the perfect example, for he reacted from the heart-good or bad, and not based on the situation. He knew God was the same, and looked to Him. Do you truly love the Lord, does He live in your heart, reflected in your daily life, or do you only go witnessing? I believe people in heaven will come up to me, and say "I heard you ministering to people. Sharing Jesus by your actions. And then your words. When you thought no one was looking. But I was, and you planted a seed that day, that led to my accepting Christ." And then I can hear the words, "well done my good and faithful son."
Do you wish to hear them? Live your life like every day counted. Each conversation, and each situation. Run out meaningless ground balls, and take the attitude that someone watching may never have heard about the love of Christ. Or seen His love in action. Let your life be a witness, and never come to a point where you have to go witnessing.
Joe, Willie, and Barry had the talent. And all three will make it to the Hall of Fame. But Barry didn't have the heart. Works don't cut it here, and won't get you to heaven either. Be the witness God calls you to be, and encourage others. Your whole theatre may only be one person, who watches how you react in your adversity. How Jesus is real in your life, not only your words. How the word comes alive in your life.
On earth as it is in heaven. No need to wait to tap into the treasure God has for you. And others will see them, they are called the Fruit of the Spirit, and want them also. Let Jesus be the something different about you. Encourage others by your actions, reacting in the spirit-God's. You never know who is watching, but be assured of one thing-your heavenly Father always is.
Going out witnessing? Don't let that be the legacy of your witness for Christ. You may be surprised what people really say and know about your walk. Maybe that is why God warns in Proverbs, don't listen at the wall to what your neighbor says, you may not like what you hear. Quit witnessing, and be a witness, trust God. And let them hear about the love of Christ-from your lips and your actions.
love with compassion,
Mike
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