I Must Be in the Front Row

Leadership

Turning a completely uninspiring professional baseball career into a 50-year run as one of the most beloved personalities in all of sports, Bob Uecker went to play catch with Jesus last week.

He captured the hearts of sports fans by mixing a deep knowledge of baseball with gutsy creativity, endless work ethic, and self-deprecating humor. Dubbed "Mr. Baseball" by Johnny Carson, he never took himself too seriously and modeled for the rest of us how to enjoy a little levity and kindness as we navigate life.

In one of his most memorable TV appearances, his persona is epitomized in this "I must be in the front row" Miller Lite commercial: https://youtu.be/DPh4iF76LbU?si=_6EIgkf9Tj2CoNvL

Jesus tells the story to be careful not to take the best seat in the house, for if someone more important than you shows up, you'll be humiliated and asked to move. Instead, sit in the cheap seats.

"Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, 'Friend, we have a better place for you!' Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 14:10-11)

Be careful not to think more highly of yourself than you should.

Humility is attractive, and attraction leads to influence and opportunity, so long as there is also a measure of wisdom and hard work mixed in.

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Sit in the Uecker seats and wait patiently to be invited to the front row.