Now that we are in the middle of the baseball season, I want you to think with me about one of the tools of the trade, a baseball glove. What does a baseball glove do? What if you put a glove out at second base or in center field by itself? What would the glove do? Do you think that it would make any defensive plays? The fact is, a baseball glove, by itself, is not terribly valuable.

However, if you put a hand in the glove, particularly the correct hand, it can do some amazing things. It can increase the reach and range of a fielder in catching fly balls or fielding ground balls. The glove enables the fielder to make plays that would otherwise be impossible. The same glove that is seemingly worthless by itself becomes invaluable when worn and directed by the appropriate hand. Interestingly enough, the potential of the glove never changed. The only thing that changes is the one who is guiding the glove.

God says that each of us is similar to that glove in that we all have great potential, but not without Him. He says that without Him, we can do nothing of any eternal significance. Without God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we struggle to find meaning and purpose and significance in life. Just like a baseball glove, we have great potential. But without the guidance of the hand of God, we will never reach that potential.

Are you trying to accomplish things apart from Christ? You will be frustrated and unsuccessful in the end. Jesus said you can do nothing. Or, are you remaining in Him, producing fruit that will last for an eternity?