“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)
I played in the top flight of my 54-hole club championship recently and was tied for the lead after day one. Despite some hiccups in the second round, I found myself in the penultimate group come Sunday.
Have you ever noticed while watching a PGA Tour event that a struggling player vanishes from the broadcast? I felt that same desertion early on in my final round. The bogeys started coming, and the onlookers started going elsewhere.
You’ve heard the phrase, “We’re playing for an audience of one.” Well, my group literally was—but I don’t think people mean my friend James when they use that line!
I had a fantastic pairing with two other believers, both former club champions no less, and they share the same perspective on the game as me: it’s just golf.
In fact, we joked on the twelfth green that in the not-too-distant past, our self-worth would have risen or fallen depending on our performance over the final six holes. Not anymore, though, for now we set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.
No one in my group put up much of a fight in the end, but it was an enjoyable round filled with laughter.
The win for the day came on the ride home, as I gave a lift to one of my neighbors. He didn’t want to tell me about every shot of his round, which was a welcome relief. (Can I get an amen from those who’ve had to endure that pain?) Rather, he wanted to know what life advice I had for him.
My friend didn’t want to tell me about every shot of his round, which was a welcome relief. Rather, he wanted to know what life advice I had for him.It was a humbling inquiry, as I sometimes struggle and wonder if working on my game is a valuable use of time. Can being a good golfer somehow have an impact on others?
I got my answer when he pointed out that (a) my platform continues to grow as my name keeps appearing on leaderboards, and (b) people at the club know that no matter how I play, I’m still going to be kind to my playing partners.
That compliment erased the memory of my stumble to the finish line.
As today’s verse points out, we are to let our light shine before others. I’m grateful my friend let me know our work with Links Players is having a positive influence at our club.
He continued, “You’re making a big difference! For everyone like me that says something, there’s many more that stay silent. Keep it up!”
Keep it up I will.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
—
Drew Hamilton
September 29, 2020
Copyright 2020 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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