Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:7, NIV)
We understand that swing mechanics and the ability to hit different types of shots are very important for playing better golf. A less obvious asset in improving our scores is our ability to make good decisions during a round. Going for a par-5 in two, aiming for a pin tucked behind a bunker, or trying to hit a miracle shot from deep within the trees are just a few decisions that can be instant momentum changers.
Regardless of the level at which we play, we can continue to learn from others about how to make better decisions on the course. As I pursued my dreams to play on tour, there were a few specific golfers I looked up to and wanted to imitate. Their skills and demeanor both on and off the course influenced my swing, short game, course management, and etiquette.
If our decisions during a round of golf make a difference, how much more important are the life decisions that we make? The writer of our Scripture today shares that we are to observe the way of life of those who have spoken the Word of God to us and then to imitate their faith. One such area where we can learn from those who actively make the Bible their compass is in how to make good decisions.
Every day we are faced with decisions that will impact our lives in some way. Learning from others who already practice God’s way of making decisions will lead us into deeper relationships; we will find help through our struggles and open the door for God’s best.
God consistently puts people in our lives that we can look up to for encouragement and help if we have the eyes to see and the ears to hear. This will require vulnerability and risk on our part, but the outcome is that our faith will grow and mature. We then become the people God will use to be an example for others to learn from. Albert Einstein said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.” This is living in community that draws us closer to God and each other.
Many times when we face difficult circumstances it will be tempting to follow the ways of the world. It takes energy and perseverance to fight against this current and dare to make decisions based on the Word. The psalmist declared, “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). We can trust that the Word has the answers we are looking for, even when it feels hard.
There have been many times in my life where I have made decisions based on the ways of the world. Initially, it feels good and right, but it’s never what God intended. I end up experiencing disappointment, confusion, or pain. Trusting God’s Word to help us make our decisions from the beginning will lead us into his very best.
The answers we need are found in God’s Word and through the help of his faithful servants. We can be people who make good decisions that will not only impact our own lives, but the lives of others as well.
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Tracy Hanson
October 1, 2012
Copyright 2012 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.