Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23-24, NASB)
A pastor from South Africa recently spoke to a breakfast meeting of Links Players here in the Dallas area. His church is making a difference by simply stepping out in faith, trusting God, and doing the next thing God has called them to do.
Here is how it works. A major building plan or small project is envisioned and prayed about. They start by placing a single brick on the ground. Others come along and ask, “What is that brick on the ground?” They explain the dream and plan and others simply place their bricks alongside others. Soon there are numerous bricks on the ground and God begins to take the vision and make it a reality. It all starts with a single brick on the ground. They have used this ministry to build playgrounds, AIDS clinics, churches, and homes for the homeless.
So how does this relate to a golf ministry here in the USA? How can we build something that will honor God and build his kingdom through the common ground of golf?
The answer may be to use what is in your hand right now. David used a sling shot. Moses used a rod. A little boy used five loaves and two fish. What about you? What about your influence with others? What about that country club membership that you thought was just about you? Why not use your love for golf and for Jesus to add a brick to his kingdom, praying that others would follow?
Why should we do it? That is the more relevant question. The answer is because we are the church! We are all called to do it. For the church to be relevant in the world today, we must be real and compassionate and caring to the world around us. We must be God’s people, helping, serving, witnessing, and disciplining. We are not supposed to be a holy huddle, but a group of believers who have been impacted by Jesus and who must return the favor to others.
I have seen it with our local Links Fellowships when we give to others in need. When we take warm coats to prisoners as they are released from prison. When we adopt a single mom and her family at Christmas and provide a brief respite between the storms. Jesus said you will know his followers by our love for others.
So how do you start? You start by getting into the arena with others who want to be relevant in a tough, cruel world. Use what we have. Don’t complain about what we do not have. We simply place a brick beside the one already there and step out in faith. God will build what is needed, and he may just use you and that brick in your hands.
What a great way to start a new year! When we respond to his calling, our lives and priorities will never be the same.
—
Randy Wolff
January 4, 2012
Copyright © 2012 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday through Friday at www.linksplayers.com.