We’re in the middle of the baseball playoffs, and I can’t help but think of a story* I read about thirty years ago that offers a great lesson in viewing things from God’s perspective.
Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson played a portion of one season for the Baltimore Orioles and their Hall of Fame manager, Earl Weaver. Jackson was a superstar and had learned much from his years of experience. As broad as his perspective was, it was no match for Weaver’s. Earl was viewing the game at a plane higher than Jackson.
Part of Weaver’s strategy concerned base running. An Oriole on first or second had to receive the “steal” sign before taking a base. This bothered Reggie, who considered himself an expert on stealing after having intensely observed the pitchers and catchers in the American League. He knew who he could run on and did not need Earl Weaver and his coaching staff telling him what to do.
That changed after one game when Jackson stole second base without receiving a sign from Earl. Jackson felt good about himself. His homework had paid off. He picked a good spot to steal and took the base with form and grace. So you can imagine Reggie’s surprise when he returned to the dugout only to be quietly rebuked by Earl. Away from the other players, Earl calmly explained to Jackson why he had not signaled a steal.
The batter who followed Jackson was an exceptional hitter who hit with power. But Jackson’s steal left first base open, which allowed the opposing pitcher to walk him. With two of the best Oriole hitters on base, Earl had no choice but to insert a pinch hitter much earlier than he would have preferred. Reggie had thought he knew better than Earl and his coaching staff and did indeed steal a base. But his theft had actually helped the other team. Reggie Jackson held a restricted view of the ball game; Earl Weaver saw everything.
Today, more and more ministers in previously conservative churches think they know more than God. Even though the Bible clearly states its view on sexual morality, too many church leaders say that living together before marriage and premarital sex is not wrong. They are proclaiming that homosexual practices and homosexual unions are now acceptable. Like Reggie Jackson, they think they know enough to act on their own accord. But their view is limited. God sees the whole thing. They are, in fact, helping the other team.
*Today in the Word, May 1996, p. 11