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In baseball, when you’re next up to bat, you’re on deck, waiting for your moment to step onto the field and make a difference. This concept parallels the call for believers in the Kingdom of God to rise up and be counted for righteousness, holiness, and justice. Being "Next Up" in life means being prepared and willing to take a stand for what's right, even when societal pressures encourage conformity. It's about embracing the call to be an active, involved, and relevant presence in the world—a wise representative not just for faith but for humanity and justice.

Standing up for righteousness involves challenging the status quo, not just within the self but also in larger communities, ensuring that moral and ethical standards are upheld. Holiness calls us to lead lives that reflect purity and compassion, a reflection of divine love in human actions. This is crucial, especially in a world where the oppressed often go unnoticed. Being "Next Up" involves being a beacon of hope and a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Moreover, advocating for justice requires that we extend our vision beyond our immediate circles. It's about ensuring fairness and equality and working actively against systems of oppression. This involves being an ally to the marginalized and offering a shoulder to those in need, embodying empathy in action.

The question remains: Who among us will answer this call to rise? Who will stand in the gap, prepared to lead by example and dedicated to the cause of justice and righteousness?  Equality and living a righteous, upright spiritual life are closely linked, as many spiritual and religious teachings advocate for fairness, compassion, and respect, aligning with the principles of equality. By embodying these values, individuals promote justice, empathy, and harmony, fostering fairness within communities. 

This call to action emphasizes our dual responsibilities—spiritual and secular—encouraging us to uphold these principles in all aspects of life. It can be captured poignantly in the words of one of my favorite, socially conscious gospel songwriters, John P. Kee’s song, Stand: "I decided to take a stand up for holiness, stand up for righteousness, and be counted among them that shall reign with Him..." It's an invitation and a challenge—to all who are on deck, waiting for their moment to step up. Well, this is your moment. However, this ain’t a game, and real life is not over; it’s not the end. You’re on deck next!

So, what are you gonna do now that you know your allyship is still needed?