For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)
How many times have you looked at where your shot landed and sarcastically laughed at its difficulty? If you are a serious player, your choices are limited. It’s either play it as it lies or take a penalty to drop it elsewhere.
And ‘elsewhere’ has very specific options. If, on the other hand, you are a less-than-serious player, your alternatives might include a foot wedge.
Once you’ve decided that, your selections probably include ‘Do I go for the low-likelihood spectacular shot?’ or ‘Do I take my medicine and play to lessen the damage?’ That’s a decision challenge in and of itself.
The answer to all the above is: It depends…on a lot of things: Where you are in the round; how your opponents are playing; how you feel; how well you can hit the difficult shot; the condition of the course; the obstacles in the way; and probably two or three other things, as well.
When it comes to golf, isn’t that a great part of the fun? There are no duplicate shots. That’s because there are so many different variables: Lie of the ball; condition of the course; weather; placement of the pin; importance of the shot; and other factors.
Golf isn’t played on a pool table, a ping-pong table, or even a basketball court. It’s played outdoors in God’s playground. It is so wonderfully unique!
For those of us who love golf, there’s no other sport that can compete with it. For others, golf doesn’t make sense: It takes too long; it’s difficult to make convenient reservations; it costs too much; there’s too much etiquette; the rules are too restrictive; etc., etc.
But the truth of the matter is that golf provides an exceptional opportunity to commune with God, if you allow yourself to do so. At times during a round, you can take your mind away from the game and realize how fortunate we are to be eternally loved by Jesus.
That is so indescribable! Eternally love by the Lord of the Universe. Forgiven of our sins by God. Encouraged to love and forgive others even in the face of frustration. Promised an eternity with Him in bodies that discard our current ailments.
‘Oh my,’ one would think, ‘that must have a personal cost that cannot be met.’ Not so. In fact, it’s easier than a two-inch tap in.
For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Whoever believes in Him. That’s it! What could be easier? And yet, too many decry the offer with all sorts of arguments: Denial of the Triune; disbelief that it could be that straightforward; and refusal to correctly prioritize the spiritual-versus-secular elements of life.
And what is the price? Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ!
What a bargain!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me the cost-free opportunity to be with You for eternity. May You equip me to help others see that opportunity and capitalize upon it.