Hall of Fame

Born in Pennsylvania, I was raised a Phillies fan.

I had a bat signed by Bake McBride and a Phillie Phanatic puppet growing up.

I remember watching the team win the 1980 World Series on our console tv.

My all time favorite player, Mike Schmidt, was MVP.

Sorry, I get a little nostalgic some days.

But today was focused on a player dressed not in red, but in blue.

Yankee great Derek Jeter was elected into the prestigious Hall of Fame.

Even this Phillies girl has an appreciation for Yankees history.

Completely humble, Jeter talked about getting to this moment.

A class act, as my father would say.

He did not boast of his works.

Jeter noted he focused on being prepared each day.

He stated he was grateful to have had the opportunity to play for the same team throughout his entire career.

Not everyone who plays the game will be elected to the Hall of Fame, even if they work hard.

But as God’s children, we are all given the opportunity to be a part of the same team and be welcomed into His kingdom someday.

And it has nothing to do with our works or achievements.

It has all to do with His grace and unending love for us.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. “

 Ephesians 2: 8-9 NIV

God does not care what position we play in life.

We all have equal value in His eyes.

But we must prepare for each day by spending time in His word and in His presence.

We must not boast of our works, but always point to His grace and love.

Friends, remember today that we are all on the same team.

And even though none of us are worthy, we are all MVPs in the eyes of the Creator.