Justin Morton
As I write this, the Major League Baseball playoffs are underway. Currently 4 teams are fighting for an opportunity to play for the World Series Championship. Last night, one of the teams playing was my beloved Atlanta Braves. For the last 6 months, they have been playing baseball 6 days a week. Over the course of the 162 game season, the Braves won 104 games and finished in first place in their division by 14 games. They produced historic numbers on offense and have been called by some “the best offense in baseball history.” Needless to say, they have had a great year.
Despite what they did during the regular season and all the records the team broke along the way, none of that matters now. Despite a record-breaking regular season, the Braves struck out when it mattered most. What they did in the regular season was good, but that’s in the past. Last night, the Braves were defeated, and their season is over.
The Walter Hill congregation has a good past. So many positive works have been done by the believers who have worshipped at this location. The Gospel truth has been taught, and souls have been saved. And as good as that is, it’s not what matters now. What is important now is how the Walter Hill congregation is doing presently. Are we seeking God’s kingdom above everything else (Matt. 6:33)? Are we teaching the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27)? Are we making disciples of those around us (Matt. 28:19-20)? Are we loving our neighbors (Matt 22:39-40)? Are we serving others (Phil. 2:3-4)? Are we raising up young people in the instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4)? Are we seeking those things that are above (Col. 3:1-3)? Are we loving God with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matt 22:37-38)?
I am so thankful for the Walter Hill congregation and all that has been done in the past. However, our aim should be that our best days are before us and not behind us. We are living in a critical time in our culture. The Lord needs us to shine brightly. Will we be satisfied with our past and strike out when it matters most or will we take advantage of the present opportunity to succeed for God’s glory?