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Golf is one of life’s most engaged in and, supposedly, relaxing pastimes. Enjoyed worldwide, golf attracts young and old, male and female alike. Yet, few likely recognize three aspects of a successful golf outing as guidelines for living a Christ-centered life.

If you are not presently a follower of Jesus as your personal Savior, the first step is to seek a relationship with Him: “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NKJV).

This is God’s promise of eternal salvation through the redemptive sacrifice of His Son, Jesus (John 3:16). Only after confessing our sins and receiving this free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9) can you experience the blessings of a child of God as you journey through this life on earth. Have you asked Jesus into your heart? If not, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

As believers, we are called to follow Christ’s example and teachings as written in the Holy Bible. Our aim is to develop a deeper walk with our Lord. These three golf instructions may help you achieve that goal. So how does the sport of golf relate to one’s daily walk with Christ?

LINE UP

In golf, the player is instructed to stand behind the tee and ‘line up’ the ball with the flag marking the hole (or, on a long hole, a place on the fairway for the ball to land). Any deviation from this line will make the approach more difficult, perhaps leading to the ball landing in a water hazard, sand bunker or the feared rough. The hole is still reachable but only after overcoming obstacles creating frustration and disappointment.

Spiritually, the old hymn reminds us to “Keep Your Eyes Upon Jesus” and the things of earth will fade from view. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV). We can avoid the hazards and traps of this world as “… narrow the road that leads to life” (Matthew 7:14). From the moment we profess Christ as Lord and Savior, we should maintain our focus on ‘His Face’ as we journey through life’s fairway pressing “… on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called...” (Philippians 3:14).

SET UP

In golf, stance is important. Planting your feet firmly on the ground is essential to stroking the ball properly. Bend slightly at the waist, legs apart, shoulders square and hands interlocked on the club. Head is down and eyes on the ball. Maintaining proper footing is critical to accurately hitting the ball.

Spiritually, we need a ‘Solid Rock’ on which to plant our feet. This hymn cites Christ as that solid rock whereas “all others are sinking sand.” Likewise, the hymn “How Firm a Foundation” states God’s Holy Word is laid for the saints of the Lord. We, as followers of Christ, are ‘sealed’ as God has laid a ‘solid foundation’ (2 Timothy 2:19) as stepping stones through our earthly life. Let us “…Stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:8).

FOLLOW THROUGH

In golf, the movement and continuation of the swing dictates the direction and distance of the ball. Cutting short the stroke likely will cause the ball to deviate from the desired path. Although style, speed and power are unique to each player, a smooth and consistent swing is critical to solid contact. To hesitate or shorten the stroke will most certainly result in a wayward ball.

Spiritually, finishing the ‘swing’ strongly will produce a joyful journey. In the hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers” we are encouraged to march forward toward certain triumph as Christ has ‘gone before.’ We are to complete the task and finish the race set before us (Acts 20:24) while ‘keeping the faith’ (2 Timothy 4:7). PRESS ON toward Victory and hear the Lord welcome you with “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).

As a child of God, we are instructed to follow in Christ’s footsteps to glorify Him and model to others that saving knowledge through faith in Jesus (1 Timothy 2:4). During your earthly walk through life as a believer, remember to “Line Up” your focus on Christ, “Set Up” your feet on the Solid Rock, and “Follow Through” to the finish of the race until our Savior’s return. The faithful believer will eternally celebrate the victory with Christ our Lord. Enjoy the journey and receive the blessings!

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