For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me, and I do not know which to choose. (Philippians 1:21-22)
The longest sudden-death playoff in a PGA Tour event took place in the 1949 Motor City Open. Cary Middlecoff and Lloyd Mangrum—both major champions and World Golf Hall of Famers—finished regulation play of the 1949 Motor City Open in Detroit knotted at 11-under, 273.In the playoff, the pair matched scores for 11 consecutive holes. Then, darkness set in, and the playoff could no longer continue. At that point, the players and tournament officials decided to end the playoff and name Middlecoff and Mangrum “co-champions.”
Indeed, Middlecoff and Mangrum were tied through 11 consecutive playoff holes. However, with darkness halting play, the tournament officials and players mutually agreed to declare them “co-champions.”
Fun Fact: In PGA Tour history, there have been six instances of eight-hole sudden-death playoffs. The latest occurred during the 2021 Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands, featuring Harris English and Kramer Hickok.
In life, a sudden death means something completely different and has much more important implications than a trophy and a payday. For the non-believing population, this earthly life is all there is, along with the temporal satisfaction of power, money, pleasure, and prestige.
In our opening verses, we see Paul imploring the church to develop eternal values and tell others about Christ, who alone can help them live a meaningful life by living for eternity. Paul is speaking boldly about his purpose in life and his desire to strive to be more like Christ every day. Paul confidently states that dying would be better than living because, in death, he would be removed from worldly troubles, and he would see Christ face to face.
If you are not ready to die, then you are not prepared to live. Make your eternal destiny certain; be intentional in your desire to be free to serve – devoting your life to what counts without fear of death.
There is a spiritual battle raging that will take your family, your work, and your life away from Jesus and tempt you to focus entirely on the temporal. How can we fight the distractions and stay focused and intentional? Remember that we are up against spiritual forces of wickedness and that we need help and “body armor.”
“Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:11-12
I encourage you to read on in verses 13-20 to learn more about the Armor of God and discuss it this week with your friends and family.
Prayer: Lord, help us understand that death can come at any time. Enable us to communicate to others the urgency of being right with God through Christ.