Jackie Robinson didn’t just pave the way for himself, but for countless people who followed in his footsteps. He changed the sport of baseball because he was willing to endure, do the work, and swing at the right pitches. In the same way, we are put on earth to pave the way for others. We need to see those around us who need the light inside of us, and meet their need.

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
Philippians 2:3

It is impossible to pursue righteousness if we are not willing to stand up to injustice for the marginalized, the orphan, the widow – just as Jesus did.

Pee Wee Reese got it. He realized that he needed to be willing to risk his career and his reputation for the sake of Jackie and those to follow. He made the statement, “Maybe tomorrow, we’ll all wear 42; that way they won’t tell us apart.” What a powerful statement. To be willing to risk it all for those around you. That brings us to our final lesson at bat: Don’t Forget your Teammates.

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Philippians 2:4

Who is around you? What do they need from you? These are important questions we need to ask ourselves. Because a win by yourself doesn’t end up feeling like much of a win at all. When we come alongside others and help them win too, that’s a grand slam every time.

Read Matthew 25:34-40

-Who is around you that you need to help win? How can you do that?