There was great excitement in Butler GA last night when a ground ball to second base ended a back and forth 8-7 victory for the Vikings baseball team. Our foe was the back to back defending state champion Lanier County Bulldogs. Both teams showed tremendous heart and determination. It was truly one of the better high school baseball games I have ever watched. I am sure our team learned a lot about their capacity to compete at the highest level what stood out to me was that this team is made up of strong leaders.
The leadership culture for Vikings baseball begins with the coaching staff. Head coach Clae Mathis has done a tremendous job after returning home of building our Viking baseball team into a winning program. There is constantly excitement in the stands, and the belief that we can beat anyone grows with each big win. He has assembled a great staff that care about the students and are making them better in every facet of the game.
While I am proud of the coaches, last night what stood out was the leadership of the players. Momentum is everything in high school sports, and our young men dealt well with the highs and lows of a back and forth game. A box score would do better to highlight the different individuals that made key plays, but from my place behind the backstop last night, the entire squad never seemed to waver. The belief that they could win that game became a reality. No doubt this victory will propel them toward a great season.
One of the reasons I love sports is that it teaches leadership. Pastor Ronnie Floyd once stated "Leadership is rallying people toward a better future." Even players that do not participate in the game can influence others to do better. Obviously leadership does not pertain only to athletics. We follow leaders in every aspect of life, and are often put in positions where we are called to lead. Many refuse to describe themselves as leaders, but as John Maxwell is found of saying, "leadership is influence." If you have influence over someone you are a leader. Some lead at their job, some lead at their home. Some lead thousands, others dozens, for some its one other person. We will lead best when we see our leadership opportunities as assignments from God, and to further His Kingdom.
Today let us be inspired by our young Viking baseball team! Let us lead with a confidence that if God calls us to it, He we get us through it! Leaders can change a workplace, a team, a church, and a home. Let us be leaders today!
This Sunday I will preach at sermon at Butler Community Church titled "Leadership Matters". We meet at the old High School Cafeteria at 10:30am. We could love to have you join us in this study!
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