For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, NLT)
Have you ever taken a breakfast ball? No, it’s not what you order at the local golf course when you’re hungry in the morning, but better!
When I play with some friends without any warm-up on the driving range, before tee time we offer everyone a breakfast ball if needed. It’s a free tee shot without penalty! Some know it also as a mulligan. It saves everyone from the embarrassing result of tight muscles and creaky bones.
That breakfast ball can make a difference between par vs. double or triple bogey. Maybe more. And as we know, the first hole often sets the tone for rest of the round.
In the round of life, sin is our eternal death sentence. Passed to us from generations of sinners all the way back to Adam, it sets the tone for our lives. But it doesn’t have to stay that way! Because of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sins, we have been offered the free gift of eternal life.
I recently spoke to a Links Player who was involved in a conversation with a group of his golfing friends. They all happened to attend the same church for Easter services. One guy asked the Links Player, “You really don’t believe in the resurrection that the pastor spoke about, do you?”
How would you respond? Our Links Player responded graciously, “Yes and there is so much proof that he did. But more important, it’s by faith that I believe.”
That’s a great answer! Its succinctness makes it clear what the man believes (and that he believes!), and it leaves open the door for further conversation, should the inquirer want to hear more about that proof or the role of faith.
In order to speak with others about your faith, you must begin by settling one question: Do you believe in your heart that Jesus died for and that he was resurrected to break the power of death? Paul wrote to the Romans that “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Then, if you are saved in this way, you will speak openly—and sometimes urgently—with others about how they too can be saved. You don’t have to be articulate as much as you need to be authentic. Here’s a simple plan: Practice both your short answer and your long answer for why you believe. Then always start with your short answer, delivering it in a joyful, confident way, as that Links Player did a few days back. A few may want to know more right away, but a simple statement of faith at least puts your life on the table for consideration. Then live out a Jesus-in-charge faith and pray for the day when those who are watching you come and ask for the long answer.
In the salvation of Christ, you have been given a free and eternal gift. Do all you can to give it away!
—
Dereck Wong
April 10, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.