Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. (Romans 5:1-2, NLT)
Over the last several months, I have played four pro-ams, enjoyed a half-dozen fun rounds of golf, and caddied for a friend at the inaugural US Senior Women’s Open. A consistent theme has emerged through these experiences: I take my golf skills for granted. While my game is not tour competitive right now, I still have the ability to hit a variety of golf shots, think creatively, and play decent golf without much practice.
Jesus is mysterious, wild, and kind. And yet I walk through my days with spiritual amnesia, forgetting all that I have received from him.I say I take my skills for granted because when I help those I play with, I expect them to understand and respond to the golf swing motion like I do. In a kind of situational amnesia, I have forgotten that I can do things with a golf club that many others cannot. So my expectations are unfounded; they are actually about me not blessing the gifts God has given me, plus the thousands of hours of practice I have done.
As I wrestle with this idea of taking my golf skills for granted, I am realizing how often I also take Jesus for granted. Jesus is mysterious, wild, and kind. And yet I walk through my days with spiritual amnesia, forgetting all that I have received from him. Taking Jesus for granted translates to, “I got this, Jesus. Step aside.” Taking Jesus for granted leads to self-centered thinking. Taking Jesus for granted desensitizes my need for his presence, which inhibits me from seeing the needs of others in my life.
I believe Paul’s words written to the Romans so long ago are relevant for us today. They provide four truths to awaken us from our spiritual amnesia.
We are justified. We are acquitted and declared righteous and given right standing with God.
We have peace. It is the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy with God. This means we can enter the restful state of a soul assured of its salvation.
We have grace. We are given access to God’s favor and merciful kindness, on which we firmly stand. We have received an undeserved privilege of forgiveness that brings joy and thankfulness to him.
We can rejoice in hope. We have the freedom to boast in joyful and confident expectation of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God—now and in the future.
Are you taking Jesus for granted?
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Tracy Hanson
July 26, 2018
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.