“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1

BASEBALLISM

A popular baseball apparel company, Baseballism, has a shirt that reads “Live life like a 3-1 count.” In case you are not familiar with the meaning of this phrase, think about what it means for a batter to be at the plate with 3 balls and only 1 strike.

The pitcher has to throw a hittable pitch, because anything outside of the strike zone puts you on base. If you swing and miss, you get another chance at a pitch that has to be over the plate. With a 3-1 count, there is no pressure on the hitter. If the pitch is hittable, try to smash it. If it isn’t, take your base. If gives you the freedom to be a very aggressive hitter.

As Christians, we get to live every day with a 3-1 count. Due to Jesus’ sacrifice, we are free from the bondage of sin. Does that mean we are free to do whatever we want? Of course not.

But we are free to experience the full love of God and walk daily with the Holy Spirit. The pressure is off for us to decide which of our selfish motives we should pursue. We have already chosen to follow God, and we are now able to aggressively chase His will for our lives.

Will there be temptations? Yes. Will it be easy? No. But Jesus has already paid the price, and we are free to become a new creation that reflects His glory instead of our slavery to sin.

Live today like you have a 3-1 count. Wake up tomorrow and pray for the strength to do it again.

– Jamie Boggs