Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a ball over the fence Tuesday night, but he did not get credit for a home run. Hayes was so intent on watching the flight of the ball that he neglected to touch first base, as the picture above shows. The rules of the game require that you must touch each base before you can proceed to the next one. Instead of getting credit for a home run, Hayes was called out.

This type of mistake rarely happens in baseball, but it happens all the time in life. People think they have it made safely to their home in heaven, but they have neglected to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Jesus says that he is the way and the truth and the life, and that no one can come to the Father except through him (John 14:6). If we don’t accept that fact, it doesn’t matter how many apparent “home runs” we hit in life. It will all be for nothing if we ignore the claims of Jesus.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”—Matthew 6:33.

In the game of life, don’t miss first base! Accept the righteousness that only comes through Jesus! Then, and only then, will you make it safely home.