…and put on the new self, created in God’s image, in the likeness and holiness of the truth. (Ephesisans 4:24)
As a fan of college sports, I am amazed at the NIL deals some young collegians are being offered. This is clearly a significant change from the past in collegiate sports. I notice that as I get older, accepting change is harder, but that is precisely what we are called to do as Christians, no matter what our age.
When I think of change, I am reminded of a freshman walk-on golfer at North Carolina A&T, J. R. Smith. In 2004 Smith skipped college and went to the NBA right out of high school. When his NBA career was over, he decided in 2021 to earn a college degree. That is a significant change!
He has a contract with Lululemon to become the face of the brand’s golf campaign. He also has a deal with Excel Sports Management. I don’t know if he was awarded the NIL due to his career in the NBA, his golfing talent, or his 4.0 GPA in his first semester of college. One thing I am sure of, it took some hard work to make these changes.
When I think of real change, I remember the greatest deal ever offered is not about Smith or any of the college athletes that may come to your mind but about the offer made by Christ to us: The offer to change us into his image.
Jesus Christ, by his Word and by his Holy Spirit is changing us so that we might come into a deeper knowledge of who he is and what He has done for us. As a consequence of growing in our knowledge of him, we are being changed into his likeness.
You will probably not be asked to be the face of golf, but you have been called to be the face of Christ in this world, at your club, in your neighborhood, in your family, or workplace.
This is not easy to do on your own, so find a LINKS Fellowship nearby and join them. If there is not one, grab a golfing partner and start one.
Prayer: Jesus! Call men and women to lead Links Fellowships at more and more clubs around our nation and world.