But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)
A new student walked up to the range where I was preparing for our lesson. As she strolled toward me, she had a large grin on her face and asked, “Do you like my new bag and clubs?”
I smiled and said, “WOW, that’s exciting! And you needed them. Just wait until you feel the difference new clubs specifically fitted for you will make.”
I was genuinely thrilled for her, especially since her previous set of clubs had been her husband’s old ones. This new set was sure to make a noticeable, positive change in her game. As a beginner golfer with a 35+ handicap, she was about to experience a whole new level of play.
As we began the lesson, focusing on the fundamentals, she was doing a great job grasping the concepts. However, I noticed that some of her clubs were going the same distance, which is a common issue for higher handicap players who are still working on refining their swing mechanics and sequencing.
By the end of the session, I said, “I want you to do something for me over the next two weeks. Only use seven clubs from your new set. Keep your Driver, 4 Hybrid, 6 Iron, 8-SW, and your putter in your bag. Get really comfortable with these. Once you start seeing distance gaps in your game, we’ll slowly add the other clubs back in.”
She agreed. It was a small, simple change with the goal of allowing her to build a strong, functional golf swing.
When I meet a new Christian, I often give them the same kind of advice when it comes to getting into the Word of God. It can be overwhelming to pick up a Bible and not know where to start.
With 66 books, some of which are hard to pronounce and even harder to understand, it can feel intimidating. It’s a lot like a full 14-club set for a beginner golfer. Both the new Christian and the beginner golfer often ask, “Which one do I use first?”
I always recommend beginning with books that are easier to understand. A great place to start is the Gospel of John, 1 John, the Psalms, Acts, and James. Read them, then read them again. Familiarize yourself with just a few books before tackling the more complex ones, especially the Old Testament.
It’s easy to get excited about learning a new skill like golf or diving into your new life as a Christian, but as Isaiah 28:10 reminds us, “For it is precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.” Growth, whether in faith or sport, takes time and patience.
The path to mastery is always gradual. It’s about learning, practicing, and growing. Just like my student’s golf game will improve with time and patience, so too will your knowledge and relationship with Christ deepen as you grow in Him. As Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
So, whether you’re learning a new sport or growing in faith, remember: it’s about steady progress, not rushing through. Allow yourself to enjoy each swing, each moment learning the Word, and trust that the Lord will reveal His wisdom to you at just the right time.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to savor your Word one word at a time.