Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. (1 Timothy 6:6)
On July 15, 2025, one of my best friends for the past forty years exited this world and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Craig O’Neal left behind more than a wife of 49 years, ten children, including their spouses, and nine grandchildren. He left a legacy filled with so many stories and lessons that if written today, this devotional could become a book.
While his youngest son, Josh, was a standout collegiate golfer, turning pro for a few years and even playing in a Korn Ferry event, Craig was a bogey golfer on his very best day.
However, when I think about guys who played golf and lived life with true godliness and contentment, I think about my friend Craig. He truly was a wealthy man!
When was the last time you played golf with someone who didn’t have their best day of scoring and yet was so enjoyable to be with for the day? Or a more direct question: Who would say you were enjoyable to be with even when you didn’t play your best round of golf?
Contentment is defined as a state of happiness and satisfaction. But is it wrong to be dissatisfied when we don’t shoot the number that our talent is capable of?
I’d suggest that several things will factor into our contentment, not only in golf, but more importantly, in life.
My friend Craig experienced some setbacks in business, even though he built an award-winning marketing company in Greenville, SC. When wronged by some partners, he took the high road and found contentment in the fact that God is sovereign in all things, and He can be trusted. He modeled contentment in his life.
Contentment and joy are found in knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior and the truth of His word that everything is working out for our good and His glory.
Golf is such a difficult game, no matter the course or condition of it. And life is even more challenging in this broken, sin-cursed world, regardless of where you live or your economic status.
Great wealth, something no form of physical currency can purchase or trade for, can be found in true godliness with contentment.
True satisfaction, contentment, and joy cannot be found in humans, things, awards, or winning majors. It’s found in knowing Jesus and the power of His resurrection.
Rather than looking for a person who models what has been described, I am challenging myself and every Links devotional reader to be that kind of person on and off the golf course.
To do that, we must first know Jesus as Lord and Savior and allow the Holy Spirit to have every area of our lives. Surrendering our will for His will. Trusting He is working everything out for our good and abiding in His love with confidence.
The result? You will enjoy the game of golf much more, and so will the people who play with you. Others will see in you a contentment and joy that passes human understanding. You may even have the opportunity to share who brings joy and contentment into your life.
I will miss my friend Craig. He was faithful, and he is finally home.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are sovereign in all things. Holy Spirit, please fill me today with contentment and joy to represent Jesus on and off the golf course.