Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him… You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (James 1:12, 5:11)
It was sunny today in Houston with a high of 90 degrees. I drove passed people playing golf and remembered Jim Sheard. Jim is the author of I haven’t played golf for many years and was a duffer at best, but I like Jim’s practical wisdom and have adapted and expanded on some of his thoughts and added Scriptures. Jim uses the game of golf as a metaphor to describe lessons on following Jesus. Here are a few:
- You do not always win. Failure is inevitable in golf and in life. Michael Jordan stated, “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. But I get up and I press on. And that is why I succeed.” James 3:2 says: “We all stumble in many ways.” We are only fallible human beings living in a fallen world.
- Everybody gets into a bunker (sand trap, hazard) now and then. Job 5:7 says: “People are born to have trouble, as surely as sparks rise from a fire.” In football, the ball carrier sometimes fumbles, or the quarterback overshoots his receiver, or the defenders miss a tackle. In sports, the secret is to get up, recover, and get back to playing your best. In following Christ, we need to, by God’s grace, press on in trusting and obeying Jesus.
- “Play it as it lies” means you don’t get to change your circumstances. Christians must accept what the Lord sends us and submit to His providence, learning contentment along the way. Job 1:21 says: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. May the name of the LORD be praised.” Let’s ask Christ to teach us joyful contentment. Paul learned contentment and we can too. In real life, there are no mulligans (do-overs). Every choice carries consequences, positive or negative, which can shape our career, relationships, and whole life. Our decisions and actions matter, big or small. So let’s be mindful of our choices and accept responsibility for the outcomes, not blame others. Gal 6:7 says: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A person reaps what they sow.” But praise Jesus for His matchless grace! He often gives us second, third, and zillionth chances to love and serve Him again.
- Enjoy the scenery. Stop to smell the roses. Jim Sheard warns us not to be too busy to enjoy life. Jesus the Son of God says in Matthew 6:28–29 “See how the lilies of the field grow… Not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Being in grateful awe of God’s good creation sweetens every day.
- Anger does not help. Dr. Ed Young told of a PGA golfer who was always angry and bitter, made cutting remarks, and was known for obnoxious behavior on the golf course. Others have thrown their clubs at an advertising board, smashed them into the ground, or struck a sprinkler. Some have been verbally abusive with spectators, and one walked off the course and smashed a spectator’s camera. One taped his mouth shut during on the Korn Ferry Tour to control his on-course anger, We who are Christ’s followers can’t be like that, or we dishonor Him and make ourselves miserable. James 1:19–20 says: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for our anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Proverbs 29:11 says: “A fool lets fly with all their temper, but a wise person keeps it back.” Proverbs 14:29 says: Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” The Holy Spirit’s fruit includes self-control. In many ways, self-restraint is the key to all growth in Christ-likeness. Are we asking this virtue that is essential to following Jesus?
- The little strokes count the same as big ones. Zechariah 4:10 says: “Who despises the day of small things? People will rejoice when they see Messiah.” Are we content to serve Christ in small ways as we await His return and His approval? Sometimes that’s all He assigns us, so He calls us to be faithful in little things. That’s a big thing to the Lord.
- The game is more fun when played with others. Proverbs 27:17 says: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 17:17 says: “A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble.” God created us to want and need fellowship with others. We need Christian brothers and sisters to help us practice Christianity.
- Treating people nicely is part of the game. Jesus’ people are to imitate His kindness, respect, compassion, sympathy, and empathy for people. Christ says in Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (The Golden Rule).” Imitating Christ proves that we truly are His followers and not fakers.
- There is life beyond the score. We need God-centered perspective, Heavenly minded-ness. All Christians stumble into sin all through this life, but we keep on getting up and following Jesus, by His grace and for His glory. Failure is not fatal or final. A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless we don’t return to Christ. Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Dr. Ed Young told the Bobby Cole story in a radio message.