Hank Aaron, the great slugger for the Atlanta Braves who broke Babe Ruth’s record for most lifetime home runs, passed away last week. He still held the record for most runs batted in, most total bases, and most extra-base hits. 

Tony Evans, famous preacher in Dallas, Texas, likes to tell a story about Hank Aaron and Yogi Berra, the great catcher for the New York Yankees. I heard it on an audio CD about 20 years ago. The story goes like this:

As Hank Aaron came to bat in the All-Star Game one time, Yogi Berra was doing all he could to distract the great slugger. Berra was a chatterbox behind the plate who was always trying to distract the hitters, so he said to Aaron, “Hey Hank, you’re holding your bat the wrong way. You should have the label turned up so you can read it.” But Aaron ignored Berra and said nothing.

Yogi wouldn’t give up, however. “Hank, I’m telling you, you’re holding the bat the wrong way. The label should be turned where you can read it.” But still Aaron said nothing.

After this had gone on for several pitches, Aaron hit the next pitch out of the park for a home run. As he crossed home plate, he said to Berra, “I didn’t come here to read.”

Tony Evans concludes the story with : 

You and I need to know why we are here.

We all need to work at not being distracted from God wants us to do.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2.10, NIV)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12.6 – 8, NIV)