Hello Gloria Dei,
A few years ago, I preached a three-week series on “Lessons Learned from my Dog”. In that same spirit, today my Friday Following includes “Lessons Learned from Playing Golf.”
But before I get to that, I want you to know that we are once again this summer having Gloria Dei Golf outings. We were not able to secure tee times at Spring Creek this year, so we’ve moved our first event to Willow Run Golf Course. The cost is a bit higher than in the past. $90 per person, including cart. If you are Great Life member, you only need to pay the cart fee of $27.
Our first event is Sunday, June 28. The first tee-time is at 1:30 p.m. We have reserved nine consecutive tee-times. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, June 24. The format is a 4-person Scramble. All golf skill levels are welcomed and encouraged.
Please use this link to sign up.
Now, some quick lessons we all can learn from playing golf.
- Enjoy the journey. Some say that golf is “a good walk ruined.” I disagree. Each round is filled with both good and bad shots, but the journey is filled with joy. Jesus said, “I have come that my joy may be in you.” He also said, “See how the lilies of the field grow. Not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Golf teaches us to stop and smell the roses. Being outside in God’s good creation brings renewal and joy.
- Golf, like life, is more fun when shared with others. Occasionally I’ll go play golf by myself. I don’t mind that at all. But truth be told, I’d much rather play with a group of good friends. And even when paired up with strangers, it’s fun to visit and get to know new people. God has put us in community. Our lives are much healthier and fulfilling when shared with others.
- Golf, like life, has some sand traps. I wish I could say that I’ve played the perfect round of golf. Fairways, Greens, and Birdies on every hole. Haha. Won’t ever happen. Sand traps, rough, and water hazards are always lurking. Not everything in life goes perfectly. But the good news is that God is with us through all of it. And besides, hitting into a sand trap helps to keep us humble. I know from experience. It has been said that God shows up for us most fully in the midst of our trials. Life comes with sand traps. But the book of Romans promises us that nothing, not even traps, can separate us from God’s love in Christ.
- Anger rarely helps. In my teenage years I started to play golf. Early on I played with my Dad. One time I hit a bad shot and proceeded to slam my club into the ground. My dad taught me that day that angry behavior is not acceptable and that it never helps in the game of golf. In life, there is such a thing as righteous anger, but most of the time, anger in life doesn’t help. We can be direct with one another, even when disagreeing, while at the same time treating one another with respect and dignity. Anger rarely helps.
- Treating people nicely is part of the game. This one speaks for itself. Repair your divots. Don’t walk in someone’s line on a putt. Don’t yell in the middle of someone’s backswing. Take care of God’s creation. Be good stewards. Always seek to act kindly toward others.
- There is life beyond the score. Once upon a time I took my golf game more seriously than I do now. I am a competitive person, even with myself, so I try to score the best I can both in golf and in life. However, I’ve learned that my score doesn’t define me. My standing as a child of God isn’t dependent on how well I do in life each day. We can’t earn our way to salvation. God gives that to us as a gift. Don’t let society’s measures for success define you. You are loved by God. You are enough. And besides, after the round is over, I love the 19th hole. There is life beyond the score.
- Finally, with God, Mulligans abound. I know that in life, choices and actions have consequences. In golf, when I hit into a lake, I take my two-stroke penalty. However, as people of God, we know that God gives us a new and fresh start each and every day. It’s called forgiveness, and it is quite a gift. Thank you Jesus for what you have done for us. And thank you, God, that in your Kingdom, mulligans are available in abundance. Even 70 times 7.
For this weekend in worship, please read Acts, chapters 15 to 21
See you in worship,
Pastor Tim
