Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV)
I used to have a lot of thoughts in my mind as I addressed the ball. Head still. Hinge the wrists. Hit down. Did I feed the dog?
As you can imagine, pulling the club back can be difficult when you have a hard time maintaining focus.
It turns out I do better with a clear head, so now my pre-shot counsel has been reduced to three simple words: “It’s just golf.”
This phrase reminds me that it’s silly to get amped up with anxiety over what “might” go wrong, and it’s a shot-by-shot reminder that it’s just a game.
I don’t like when my mood fluctuates with my performance; it’s an indicator I’ve lost perspective. I shudder to think how many God-ordained appointments I’ve missed on the course because I was muttering to myself instead of talking with others.
Unfortunately, I’m also adept at losing perspective off the course because I’m selfish. I wish I wasn’t but I’m working on it with some inspiration from God.
Some of my most creative thoughts come when I spend time with Him at White Rock Lake. During one such moment of worship, I was staring at a goose, and it hit me: GOOSE – Get Out Of Self Everyday!
It’s my own version of the WWJD bracelet, but I went with a logo rather than a straight acronym.
Here’s what I’ve discovered. Whenever I find myself in a bad mood or a malaise, 100% of the time, it’s because I’m thinking about myself. While we know the antidote to selfishness is selflessness—or thinking of yourself less, it’s easier said than done.
That’s why today’s verse is so helpful. When I look at the GOOSE sticker on my laptop, I’m reminded of Paul’s advice to the Philippians, which was a polite way of saying, “Get over yourself, and think of others!”
So, how do I go about it? By putting on the same “Spirit Specs” the goose is wearing. The cross in the lens is a symbol of me choosing to view the world through the eyes of Jesus.
Paul continued in his letter, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (v. 5-6). If Jesus didn’t take advantage of his status, who am I to get grumpy when things don’t go my way?
Here’s what I’ve found. When I stop whining about not getting what I want and focus my thoughts on others, good things happen. My anxiety diminishes. My worry decreases. My mood brightens. My joy returns.
Enough about me. How are you?
Prayer: Lord, help me get out of self today. Help me think of others more highly than myself. Help me not look to my own interests but to the interests of others. In my interactions, let me have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
—
Drew Hamilton
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at linksplayers.com.