For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:11-12, ESV)
Sam Stevens is an up-and-coming standout on the
PGA Tour. He is currently ranked 76th on the OWGR and 13th on the 2025 FedEx list, yet, by all accounts, he readily admits, “Life on the road is hard!”
His pal, Wesley Bryan, will tell you, “No one hits more balls than Sam.” By his own admission, “If you hit enough balls, you will find something, right?” He is, as they say, “a grinder.”
In 72 events, he has made 53 of 72 cuts, had two runner-up finishes, one 3rd place finish, four top-five finishes, and eight top ten finishes.” Apparently, hitting all those balls is paying off. Commentators would say about Sam, “It is only a matter of time before he gets a win.”
In addition to his stellar play, Sam carries himself with a great deal of self-effacing humility. With effortless sincerity, Sam honors his parents, wife, and fellow players. There’s much to appreciate about this young, rising star.
After watching him in conversation, it is clear that he is a well-grounded, balanced, and thoughtful young man. I, for one, am now a member of the Sam Stevens Club.
Beneath all his golf credentials, Sam is the type of guy most parents dream of their daughter bringing home. If I had to bet, I’d wager he asked his future father-in-law for her hand in marriage. May his tribe increase!
At 28 years old, he shows a maturity that exceeds his age. Frequently mentioning his dad and “grandpa,” Sam impresses those paying attention as one trained in traditional manners. By the way, “traditional manners” are historically rooted in Christian virtues.
With self-deprecating modesty, he honors his wife with a hard-to-hide affection, freely admitting that his bride is the one who keeps him humble and keeps the family strong during the twenty weeks he travels alone.
Affirming that “loneliness” is an ever-lurking problem for many on the tour, Sam quickly admits that “golf can also be a selfish game.” When asked how he keeps Christ Jesus central, he points to the fundamentals of the faith: Scripture memory, Bible study, fellowship, and community.
It’s no secret that Americans highly value the “rugged individualism” of our Western heritage. But when we reflect on the truly meaningful things in life, most of us are transparent about our need for deep relationships and community.
Numerous sociologists, theologians, and cultural observers have emphasized the rising epidemic of vast groups of Americans experiencing isolation and feelings of insignificance. This wave of loneliness is not limited to those typically labeled “marginalized,” either.
When Christ Jesus died on Calvary’s Cross, his primary intent was to reconcile wayward sinners to the Father. We metaphorically refer to this as his “vertical” restoration. However, he also reconciled us to one another, which is often referred to as horizontal reconciliation.
My pastor is fond of saying that we have “blood-bought relationships with one another.” It is refreshing to see Wesley and Sam’s bond of friendship. Life on or off the road is, indeed, harder without friends.
As Clarence, the angel, wrote to George Bailey at the end of the Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life, “No life is a failure who has friends.” Let me add that no life is ever alone in this age and the age to come who has Jesus as their friend.
No one wants to die a lonely old man or woman! By faith, reach out to the lover of your heart—Jesus, the Christ! With the Spirit of God living inside you, be attentive to the horizontal relationships he will bring.
Prayer: Jesus! Make yourself known in more profound ways to our lonely hearts.