Of all the great nicknames in baseball history, perhaps none was more appropriate than that of Ron Cey. “The Penguin,” as he was known, played the bulk of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. One look at him reveals the origin of the nickname. Perhaps originally to his demise, Cey looked and ran like a penguin–short legged waddle and all.

Cey didn’t pass the look test of a baseball player. In today’s world, he wouldn’t be given a chance by scouts. He was too short, too small, and, as I said, he ran like a penguin.

Yet, he could play. Never flashy or overly impressive, the Penguin nevertheless performed at a high level during the 1970s. From 1972-1981, Cey posted better all-around production than George Brett and Pete Rose, and is second only to Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt.

Cey was more substance than style. He didn’t look like much, but he got the job done, plus some.

Proverbs 13:7–“There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth.”

In your life with Jesus, you can be all style and no substance. You can put on a good show, say all the right words, appear to be “rich.” Or, you can refuse to bring attention to yourself and be a person of great substance and depth.

Be the Penguin of Christians. More substance than style.

Lord Jesus, I’m tired of pretending to be something I’m not. I’m done with the facade. Grow me. Make me a person of true substance. Amen.