Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (1 Corinthians 9:25, NASB)
I can confirm that I learn so much by attending various Links Fellowships using the weekly Friday study guide. God continues to impact me through others. This is no longer a good idea; it is a necessity for living life well in a world that competes for our attention.
Ken attends one of our studies. Our group was discussing 1 Corinthians 9:25 in the series “A Mission in Life, Part 5: Crossing Cultures.” The question was, “How do these verses express the seriousness of Paul’s calling?” Ken had made some notes regarding his answer that he shared with our group:
Life is a competition between good and evil. Living a life for God is good, and anything else is evil. This competition never ceases as long as I live on this earth. Since only by the grace of God and the blood of Christ, I have been redeemed and am righteous (good), then I must compete daily against the evil that wants to control me.
I must have a plan and a routine that causes me to compete at the highest level. My ultimate victory is assured. Every time I allow evil to subdue me, I am disqualified from the blessing that God had for me in that instance.
What do you do about this battle that goes on daily? I love the song, “Jesus Love Me.” The first stanza is: “Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.” A strategically placed comma in the lyrics really can make a difference: “Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me, so.”
Now add a question mark. So?
Not one of them Masters champions, but all men who would not trade what they have for perishable wreaths.What I am to do about this love that Jesus has for me? Do I fight for a perishable wreath or the imperishable one? The competition is fierce. One wreath lasts for a while, the other forever. Those who gain the imperishable crown have all eternity to fall in love with Jesus more.
Now, back to our Links Players study with Ken and the other faithful members. All are golfers who love the game, and some still play competitively. My mind then drifted back to the recent Masters Tournament and the great win by Tiger Woods. Announcer Jim Nantz used superlatives to define the victory and that was in order. He said, “A win that will never be forgotten! This ranks as one of the greatest moments in the history of sport.” I was taken aback a little. Really? What about a thousand years from now? Will it still be remembered?
Then I looked around the table. I saw real men who loved Jesus. I saw passion and commitment. I know of their changed priorities. I have seen this now for more than 10 years. I then envisioned the imperishable crowns each will receive that will be remembered a thousand years from now. Not one of them Masters champions, but all men who would not trade what they have for perishable wreaths. They compete daily for what can never be lost. I know, and I am one of them.
—
Randy Wolff
May 7, 2019
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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