Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. (Galatians 6:6, ESV)
As I continued my walk through Dr. David Cook’s book “Golf’s Sacred Journey,” I was struck by some things he said in the introduction. First, he says, “You never really know when you might meet someone who will change your life. More importantly, you never know when your influence might change another life.”
A little later, he says, “In life, we must be willing to coach and be coached; either one alone will leave us empty.”
This applies to golfers and followers of Jesus. However, we must earn the right to teach by spending time studying. Whether it is golf or God’s word, we can all learn from those who have more knowledge or experience than we do.
Those with knowledge and experience should share it with others when appropriate. Obviously, I don’t suggest that you advise your opponent during a match.
Golf is a challenging game, and everyone can use some encouragement and advice on how to play better or get out of a slump from time to time.
I am occasionally asked for golf lessons, and when I am, I usually suggest that we tee it up together so I can get an accurate picture of what needs work.
It also gives us time for some fellowship, which is often just as important as seeing what happens with someone’s golf swing.
I am also often asked questions about Jesus and the Bible at Links Fellowship meetings, which is infinitely more important than someone’s swing.
Just like a playing lesson, the fellowship component of this interaction can be as important as the actual technical answer that I give.
We are all called to encourage someone’s faith and strengthen their conviction.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
While loving your neighbor as yourself, teach them to love God and their neighbors as themselves. In short, “coach and be coached.”
I encourage you to invite someone to your Links Fellowship. If you don’t have one, find or start one and ask someone to accompany you.
A simple invitation could change a life: Love God and Love Golfers. There is no greater reward than the satisfaction of helping someone else with their golf game or salvation.
Prayer: Lord, teach us so we may teach others about you.