UNPACK This...Evangelism for Sports FansSample

MLB Rule Changes And Adaptability

The 2023 MLB season has seen additional intrigue in its games, with the league implementing new rules to speed up the pace of play.

When asked about the rule changes, Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais said, “You can’t keep playing the same game that they played in the 1940s and 1950s. It evolves. We have to evolve with it.”

There’s no doubt that the teams embracing the need to adapt have been experiencing the most success.

When it comes to following Jesus, it’s equally important that we adapt to different situations while looking to minister to those around us.

While we never want to do anything sinful, we must recognize how we can make adjustments to be more effective with our Gospel witness.

Practically speaking, that could mean befriending people we wouldn’t normally associate with. Or, it could be participating in events outside of our regular operating system so we can meet people where they are comfortable.

The message doesn’t change, but we may alter the way we communicate so we can adapt to the “rules” of the people around us.

The Apostle Paul modeled this adaptability for the sake of others in his own ministry.

The Living Bible translates Paul’s words this way in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23: “When I am with those whose consciences bother them easily, I don’t act as though I know it all and don’t say they are foolish; the result is that they are willing to let me help them. Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him. I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I myself receive when I see them come to Christ.”

Within our lives, there are opportunities for us to change in non-sinful ways that help us better connect with those who need to know Jesus.

So today, let’s consider how we might adapt to our circumstances to better reach people with the Gospel.

I’m Matt Osborne and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to be aware of how I can better minister to the people around me. Please give me humility in considering the needs of others more than my own. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.