I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. (Ephesians 1:18, NASB)
I was a rookie on the PGA Tour in 1968. I was 24 years old and just knew I wanted to play golf. I was too young and worldly to articulate what my real goal was by playing professional golf. A lot of my friends were playing professionally, so I thought I needed to do this sport as well. Now what?
I got married and went to the PGA qualifying school on our honeymoon. I had a new bride. A new PGA Tour card. And a new direction in life. This novelty could be exciting.
Then came one moment on the practice tee I will always remember. We were hitting balls before our practice round, and Ken Venturi was hitting with us. He was a legend, having won the 1964 US Open and many other tournaments.
He loved rookies, so he stopped and started chatting with us. I remember him asking, “What is it that you want to accomplish by playing professional golf? Are you committed to this life no matter what?”
My answer was to make enough money to sustain our life and make a good living playing golf. I was not very specific. Well, my long life as a golf pro did not happen. In fact, I hated golf by the time I left the Tour five years later. Now what?
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What is produced in us by Christ is the only thing that is eternal.
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We should ask the same for our walk with Christ. What do you want to accomplish as a believer in Christ? Are you committed to this life no matter what?
God started this work in us, and only he will perfect it. I am learning the result is not what we produce or accomplish but what is produced in us as we try to live a life for Christ. What is produced in us by Christ is the only thing that is eternal. All the others will pass away.
So, what do I want to accomplish as a believer in Christ? I want God to produce in me whatever he desires. I want to love God and love others with all my heart. And when I do that task well, then I will know what to do. God will produce in us what he had in mind when he made us and gave us a calling and purpose.
Now, am I committed to this life of following Jesus no matter what? Experience has shown me in no uncertain terms that he can produce anything in me when I allow him. I now know that this life is a team event, and I can do all things only through Christ who strengthens me.
So, how do we live this life as a believer in Christ? Live life like this anonymous quote:
When you were born, you cried and the whole world rejoiced; live your life in such a way that when you die, the world will cry, and you will rejoice.
Closing prayer – Jesus, we rejoice in knowing that you have loved us enough. Our life is our response.