Both feature an arena of engagement, skilled opponents, and a win-or-lose outcome. There are always more people watching, listening to, and reading about these contests than participating, and both sides employ layers of strategy. Money flows, mistakes are made, tables turn, standout participants are remembered, and nearly all the supporting cast members are forgotten. Each involves the making or breaking of reputations, and the cleanup process is extensive.

Ballgames are most engaging when the two sides are evenly matched, but battles are only beneficial when good decisively prevails. In this way, life has more in common with battlefields than ball games. We live with a consequential opponent, yet we can join forces with an entirely superior ally. The contest isn’t even in question. The Season’s outcome has already been decided, and the Victor has offered us a contract to play on His team. Here’s how it’s described in the most well-known quote from The Bible:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17, NIV).

There’s no reason not to sign or enlist with this Leader. Every sincere applicant is accepted.