Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. (Philippians 4:11-12, NASB)
Don’t you just love it when something is done well? I love to see young golfers with talent swing the club well and hit those high, soaring shots that only can be produced with strength and clubhead speed. I admire their talent and know that hours of preparation have gone into producing these results.
You know what I love a lot more? I love to see a man or woman live life well because they know Jesus and are contented with their gifts and circumstances. There is no substitute for people of faith who actually live their life in a manner that inspires and instructs. I know we all have feet of clay and our DNA is a sinful nature, but some just live for higher purpose and it becomes evident. Their foundation of faith in following Jesus shines. The world notices men and women like this—contented and fulfilled.
Our greatest struggle here is against who we are now and who we are to become.A good example is my friend Dick, who left this world just a few months ago. He was a man whom I respected and loved from the first time that I met him almost 30 years ago. I witnessed his humble, wise demeanor. He had a quiet, strong spirit. I gleaned from those unexpected tears as he delivered the devotional that morning, which gave us a glimpse into his heart. I felt his passion for Jesus and the abundant life that he talked so much about. He was also quick to talk about his failures, but he knew where his strength originated. He was a contented man.
Dick’s dad was a poor cotton farmer in Texas and died when he was 15. Dick assumed the leadership of the family right away. He attended TCU and led his team to three consecutive conference championships. He received a doctorate in education and taught and served as the principal of a high school for all the years of his working life—but oh, how he loved Jesus! He knew God placed him in education for a reason, and it showed with his contentment for his lot in life.
The following is a sampling of the words spoken at Dick’s funeral celebration. It reinforced the fact that we all write our legacy long before our burial.
- “He was a man after God’s own heart but a better dad and husband than David.”
- “He was a cross between John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, and Billy Graham.”
- “I have been with Dick in the spirit and the flesh but never in the spirit on the golf course.”
- “We may bury his hands and feet but not his good works.”
- “He was the most contented man I have ever known.”
Our greatest struggle here is against who we are now and who we are to become. Dick demonstrated that a life lived with intentionality and humble purpose with Jesus as the leader will make a difference—an eternal difference. I remain grateful for his example.
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Randy Wolff
January 3, 2019
Copyright 2019 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.