Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV)
Growing up in Connecticut, I belonged to a country club, but much to my chagrin, I didn’t play golf. Not knowing any better, I spent all my time on the tennis courts and the pool.
I have made an allocation adjustment in adulthood at the club I belong to in Texas. I now spend the majority of my time on the golf course, my activity on the courts has been reduced to doubles club championships, and I haven’t seen the pool since my kids stopped asking to go.
Through my role with Links Players, I have had the pleasure of visiting a fair number of desirable country clubs, so I can only imagine belonging to an ultra-exclusive club like Augusta or Cypress and enjoying the benefits of membership. However, I’m grateful for the reality that I belong to an inclusive club with the greatest perk of all.
Stay with me. I just hit you with a writer’s head fake. I’m no longer talking about a country club but becoming a Christian.
While a high-end golf club has an exhaustive screening process, a long waiting period, and a high initiation fee, Christianity presents none of those obstacles.
Jesus is less concerned about who you’ve been and more interested in who you are becoming. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
Membership is immediate upon asking Jesus into your heart. “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Romans 10-9-10).
And there is no price tag, but it will cost you your life. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it (Matthew 16:24-25).
Oh yeah. Don’t forget about that perk I mentioned. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Sit with that for a moment. It’s kind of a big deal.
If you’re reading this and aren’t already a member, hit me back, and let’s get you initiated. Another aspect for which I’m thankful is there is no cap on membership.
Prayer: Jesus, you have called us to make disciples of all nations. Help us to focus on the Good News more than our golf scores.