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CBN.com – He’s a four-time all-star and is known to Astros fans as one of the “Killer Bees.” Along with former teammate Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman is one of the most feared sluggers in baseball. In 2006 Lance hit 45 home runs and set an Astros single season record with 136 runs batted in. He’s also one of the game’s most humble players…
“Success I think is a word that’s often misused,” Lance tells The 700 Club. “It has a connotation that you’ve arrived. When do you ever achieve success? I don’t think it’s attainable. I think it’s a process. We’re always working toward it.”
Lance is one of baseball’s biggest stars, and at 6’1”, 220 pounds, you could say he walks tall and carries a big stick. But you’ll find his heart is his biggest attribute. It starts with his relationship with Jesus Christ.
“You have to allow Jesus Christ to live through you and impact your life in every area. If somebody does that, they’re on the road to success.”
And he’s not alone on the Astros. Many of his teammates encourage him in his faith…
“It’s been a blessing to be on a team that has so many believers,” he shares. “Our whole organization is very receptive to the Gospel. We’re really spoiled in the environment we have.”
Lance has been a Christian since he was a kid and is grateful for parents who taught him about the Lord.
“My dad is a tremendous example for me -- most honest guy I know. I’ve never heard a foul word come out of his mouth, and he’s just very gentle. He demonstrates a lot of the fruit of the spirit and just to have parents that demonstrate the values of Jesus Christ is a huge asset.”
In 2005 Lance led the Astros to the pinnacle of baseball success: the World Series. But he says even that experience doesn’t compare to his relationship with Jesus Christ.
“Again, it’s not lasting. If you win it last year, then there’s a new champion this year. How quickly that glory fades away,” he explains. “The Bible talks about man [being] just a vapor and what we accomplish here moth and rust destroy. So it can’t even compare. We’re supposed to be storing up treasure in heaven. That’s what I want to be about and want my family to be about.”
As a pro athlete, Lance wants to use his platform to encourage others about the love God has for each of us, and that true satisfaction comes from God alone.
“What you’re running after, what you’re trying to find will not provide you with any lasting fulfillment. The only place you can find that is Jesus Christ. It’s in the service of God you’ll find that lasting fulfillment.”
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