And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
“He is a tinkerer,” a commentator recently observed about a tour player as I watched a weekend round. He went on to disapprovingly describe this player as someone who “constantly changes his grips, lofts, and shafts.”
We get it, though. There are those who cannot leave well enough alone, ever fiddling with their swings. And then there are those who seem to be on autopilot, rarely changing a thing. Is there a right or wrong here? After all, Tiger Woods won with four vastly different swings. Meanwhile, rumor has it that Bubba Watson has never had a lesson or a swing coach. Whether true or not, this doesn’t suggest Bubba doesn’t desire improvement.
Like these players, we all desire improvement. Making the necessary changes to achieve it is a bit more complicated.
Reflecting on our desires for improvement and the change required to achieve it creates some interesting hypotheticals: 1) Could Tiger have won more with one swing, say his “Butch Harmon-swing”? 2) Would Bubba have been better with at least a little outside help? 3) Who was better, Sam Snead who was “born with it,” or Ben Hogan who had to “work at it?” The questions are seemingly infinite. Counterfactuals (i.e., what might have been), like these, can be loads of fun.
New desires and new beliefs are certainly necessary, but they are not sufficient for new patterns of life.
Regardless of the answer to these hypothetical questions, one thing in life is constant: change. Change can be positive or negative. And since change is inevitable, developing the right mindset towards it is crucial. That way, change can be positive (leading to improvement and development), instead of negative (leading to decline and regression). Sometimes positive change is quick and easy. Most of the time, however, it is arduous and slow. Whether it is an improved golf swing or walking with Christ, both require change.
Why is it that so many of us are averse to change? Churches become bogged down in routine—often confusing tradition with faithfulness. Individuals are reluctant to adopt change for any number of reasons, such as unwanted risks, the fear of unknowns, creaturely comforts, or contentment with the status quo. But, again, to grow, to improve, to mature requires change.
For instance, if we are to avoid a negative behavior (e.g., drinking too much, losing our temper, etc.) or adopt a positive behavior (e.g., cultivating a devotional life, developing physical strength, etc.), we must change. And change takes work!
New desires and new beliefs are certainly necessary, but they are not sufficient for new patterns of life. As the senior devil says to the junior devil when talking about their “patient” in C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters: “The enemy (God) has his heart, but we still have his habits.” That is, being born again does not automatically change our habits of thought and behavior. Sanctification (growth in Christ) is not passive. We have to “work out” (not for) our salvation (Philippians 2:13).
The good news of Christ is not only that he forgives us, but that he transforms us and empowers us to live a holy and victorious life. This means that overcoming sinful behaviors, thoughts, and motives is achievable. It takes work—a grace-induced, Spirit-empowered work to be sure, but hard work nonetheless.
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Dennis Darville
July 26, 2021
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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