Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3: 23-24, NASB)
This year’s RBC Heritage Classic ended in a classic playoff battle between multiple major winners, Jordan Spieth and Matt Fitzpatrick. An American and an Englishman are now in a match-play situation after Jordan made a huge move up the leaderboard on Sunday, and Matt made key birdies in the closing holes.
It had all the feeling of a Ryder Cup match intensity, yet, as I observed the two players shot for shot, the camera kept focusing on how they reacted to each other. These two were having fun! They truly understood the situation of “their work” but maintained the honor and respect of the game.
As we read the opening verse and apply it to our everyday work lives, whether as a golf pro, landscape architect, real estate salesperson, or server at a restaurant – it reminds us that God has given us work to do since the creation. If we could regard our work as an act of worship, then we honor what he has provided.
How do we do that? The answer is personal for each of us; however, if you hope your competition fails for your gain, you are likely missing the mark.
Proverbs 24: 17-18 “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles, Or the Lord will see it and be displeased and turn His anger away from him”
David, Solomon’s father, refused to gloat over the death of his lifelong enemy Saul (see 2 Samuel 1). Verse 12 tells us that “they mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and Jonathon and for the people of the Lord and the house of Israel because they had fallen by the sword.”
The nation of Edom rejoiced over Israel’s defeat and was punished by God for their attitude (Obadiah 12). And it is clear in Deuteronomy 32:35 that God alone is the real judge of all the earth, and we should be gloating over the misfortunes of others.
I don’t know if Jordan or Matt read the Bible regularly, but they demonstrated mutual honor and respect. Their demeanor showed humility, and while they were competing to win, I am sure neither of them wanted to rely on the failure of the other.
In case you missed the end, Jordan had the advantage on the second playoff hole, but his 12’ putt didn’t carry enough speed. After the miss, the commentator said, “Matt is too good for Jordan to let that one get away.” Matt won by almost holing out on the third playoff hole. Spectacular!
Prayer: Lord, remember that you are the ultimate authority and have given us work to do here that honors you.