In baseball, most of the spotlight goes to what happens on the field—big hits, great plays, walk-offs. But any coach or seasoned player will tell you: the dugout matters.

It’s where culture is built. It’s where encouragement is given. It’s where leadership shows up when no one’s watching.

The dugout is where teammates decide whether they’ll be selfish or sacrificial, focused or distracted, all-in or just along for the ride.

Your spiritual life has a dugout, too. It’s the unseen part—your habits, your prayer life, your conversations, and your support of others. It’s how you act when you’re not on the field or in the spotlight. It’s what kind of teammate, parent, sibling, spouse, friend, or leader you are when no one’s handing out awards or even noticing.

God sees the dugout. And He uses it. Real leadership happens there. Real discipleship happens there. Quiet faithfulness off the field builds strength for when you’re back in the game.

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” —Hebrews 10:24–25