As the trip was put together, we basically had to wait until the two teams hosted games in the same weekend at times that worked well for travel. Basically, the games we attended were strictly by chance. As it turns out, however, we stumbled upon Faith and Family Night in Kansas City. Let the awesomeness commence.
After having arguably the best meal of my life (I am seriously considering moving to Kansas City for better access to their heavenly BBQ), my friends and I headed to the stadium early to check out the landscape. As we were walking around the area, we found ourselves front and center for the sound check of one of my favorite Christian bands, Building 429. As if being the only three people standing right next to the stage wasn’t cool enough, the lead singer came down and talked to us for a bit while the instruments were being tuned. Very cool.
After watching nine innings of the greatest game never invented, the Faith and Family festivities began. Between an opening set by KJ52 and the headline concert by Building 429, we were treated to a few player testimonies. Luckily (or maybe it was planned this way), the Texas Rangers were in town and Josh Hamilton came out to tell his story. If you haven’t heard about his journey, you can check it out here.
Josh’s story is pretty amazing and he never hesitates to give all of the glory to God. I am sure that he is often asked how he keeps his focus on God when he is so often surrounded with things that have caused him to stumble in the past. One scripture that he quoted as being a part of his strength is something that I have read several times, but somehow has never grabbed me like it did this weekend.
He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30 NIV)
Isn’t that the foundation of Christian faith? Isn’t that what taking up your cross daily is all about? Here I was having the time of my life, having all of these great experiences that I will cherish for a long time, and I was slapped in the face with a reminder that I really shouldn’t matter. Awesome.
I find it interesting that most Christians really buy into the first part of this verse, but we often choose to ignore the second part. We want to be closer to God and do great things for Him. But we also want to accomplish great things for our own glory and reputation. We believe that He must become greater, and that we can become greater also.
Unfortunately, that’s impossible. If we truly seek Jesus Christ and try to make our lives like Him, we must become less important. If we want to do more for God’s Kingdom, we must be willing to give up our own dreams and desires. If we really want Him to increase in this world, we must all be ready to decrease. Are you ready?