Tim King and Mike Geddes called last week. They’ve been at Spring Training for a couple of weeks now and just wanted to check in and let everyone know that they miss them. They’re both pitching well. But, more importantly, they’re both living well.

Their teammates are talking. They see Tim and Mike reading their Bibles in the clubhouse. They see them passing up invitations to go drinking. They don’t hear cuss words and dirty jokes coming out of their mouths. They see how they’re different from everyone else. And some of them are even asking questions about the Bible.

As my two good friends were excitedly giving me this sports report, I thought about a few lessons that we all can learn.

The gospel is for all. It would have been very tempting to overlook a couple of baseball players as those who would never be willing to change or give up a worldly lifestyle. But when we think that way, we render the word of God impotent. The reason Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel is because it is the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16 LBX). Everyone. The blood of Christ does not discriminate nor disqualify anyone. They might be baseball players. But their hearts were pricked just like those in the beginning.

Everyone is someone in the kingdom. Mike and Tim are young in the faith. But they have found a way to be useful in the service of the Lord. That’s because everyone has a part to play, a place to serve. Everyone. “And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly” (Rom. 12:6 LBX). No parts are superior. No parts are inferior. We just need all parts working together or the whole cause suffers. We cannot afford to have people sitting on the bench, waiting to be told what to do. The Lord has blessed you with ability. Use it. It’s important.

A Christian’s light doesn’t come with an “off” switch. Our young brothers could have easily thought, “let’s wait until the off-season to do good.” But the Lord doesn’t give them or anybody else that option. Jesus said, “let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16 LBX). What better way for the world to know how good God is than to see Him living and working in the lives of His people? People who always have their lights shining bright, showing the world Who reigns in their heart. You may never know what difference you’re making just by being the best Christian you can be. Let them see Him.

I know of two young men who are already making a difference. And they’re just getting started.