The St. Louis Cardinals, Christianity and Bible Verses
Some people choose to follow Christ. Some people choose not to follow. Some workplaces have more Christians than others and some have very few. What could be a commonality to those that follow and are in a Christian workplace? Likely it is the leadership.
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of those teams, workplaces and environments that appear to have a very large Christian influence. Of course, there are several that don’t subscribe to the same thoughts but many do. In the Cardinals organization we start with Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak.
Mozeliak went out on a limb a few years ago and hired a new manager with no managing experience. He stated in the press conference that he knew Mike Matheny very well as they used to workout at the same time and over the past several years they had struck up conversations almost on a daily basis. He knew Mike Matheny very well. He knew Mike Matheny put God first and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. John Mozeliak knew what kind of leader he was putting in the Cardinal dugout and would be representing the Cardinals organization on a public basis through the different media outlets.
Mike Matheny is a Christian. He stated in the book “Intentional Walk” by Rob Rains the following:
“I also told them I was not going to be a coward and walk away from opportunities, when guys ask me questions. They need to know where I stand and where I am coming from. Hopefully, I am living a life that is true to God’s Word. I’ve also got to be man enough to talk about what I believe to be true.”
Matheny stated he was not going to force his faith on others. He didn’t need to as he continued to live by example. It was evident to the people around him that he was truly living a Christian life and leading through God.
Many players are willing to discuss their Christianity to people but there appears to be a large number coming from the Cardinals organization. Here are a few verses by some of the Cardinal players and former players that are special to them as stated in the Rains book:
Trevor Rosenthal
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:6-7
Kyle McClellan
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
–Romans 8:31
Skip Schumaker
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. – Proverbs 16:9
Mitchell Boggs
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. –Romans 5:1-5
Rick Horton
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and learn not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Matt Carpenter
The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” –Matthew 19:20-26
Adam Wainwright
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24
Matt Holliday
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.-Job 38:4
There are others but you are getting the point. Let’s consider the life of Matt Holliday for a minute. He has the above Bible verse tattooed on his arm. Matt said, “It’s a daily reminder to me. A lot of times we as people want to be our own gods and dictate what goes on in our lives, it’s a reminder to me that says He’s God and He created this earth and we’re not.”
The Cardinals are a faith-based team with strong Christian leadership. The players have heard the message and many stayed on board to live their life intentionally in a walk with Jesus Christ.
