United in CompetitionSample

Lean In Together

Ready: “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” - Matthew 18:20

Set: While an astute and powerful force in the batter’s box, Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy’s continued spiritual growth and leadership opportunities are far from limited to his hitting expertise. In the clubhouse, he’s one locker removed from catcher Matt Wieters and just a short walk from outfielder Chris Heisey and infielder Stephen Drew. Those players are integrally involved in cultivating a Christ-centered culture within the team.

The four hold one another accountable and build each other up as they navigate the often-muddy waters of living out their faith in professional athletics.

On road trips, Daniel’s room is most often the setting for the Christians on the team to gather and encourage one another in their walk.

“There's so much isolation in baseball. I say baseball, but there's so much isolation everywhere,” Daniel says. “That's totally the enemy; he wants to isolate us.”

The narrative of a baseball season inevitably has potholes along the way, magnifying the need for Daniel and his teammates to lean in together.

Moreover, it serves as a good time to remind each other that their performance, no matter how big it might appear on the scoreboard when they walk to the plate, does not define them. Together, they are building into solid relationships that remain rooted in Christ that will keep them anchored in His steadfast love.

“I know where there's hope and where there's joy and where there's peace,” says Daniel, “because I've tasted it.” -- Drew van Esselstyn

Go:

1. Think of two friends who help keep you accountable—what traits in them do you value?
2. In what areas of your life do you need encouragement?
3. How can you and your teammates spend time in God’s Word together?

Overtime: Lord, thank you for the people You have placed around me. Because You know how difficult it is to go through life alone, let us encourage one another and dig in to Your Word together so we may be full of Your hope, joy and peace. Amen.