READY: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." -2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
SET: There are three essentials to the game of golf. Each parallels the meaning and purpose of the Christian life. . .
The first essential is the grip (how the golfer holds the club). If the starting point, the grip, is bad, the golfer's entire game will suffer. In life, the first step of getting a grip is to be born again through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
The second is the stance. The way a golfer addresses the ball determines the success of his shots. If his stance is crooked, he will get into trouble. In the Christian life, the stance is likened to our daily walk. If we take the right stance, denying sin and committing ourselves to obeying Christ, we will know God's pleasure and blessing (Romans 12:1-2).
Third, a golfer must have a strong follow-through. If it is short or weak, his shots will not be long or accurate. Likewise, a Christian is to follow through on his or her commitment to the Lord. We're not to become discouraged but to continue fighting the good fight of faith (2 Timothy 4:7).
Every golfer knows the value of the correct grip, the right stance and the proper follow-through. But we all need to remind ourselves daily of how important these elements are in the Christian life.
GO:
1. Of the three essentials (grip, stance and follow-through), which is your weakest?
2. What do you think the Lord wants you to do about it?
WORKOUT:
1 Corinthians 15:57
Philippians 3:14
Colossians 3:23
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Coach Pat Street is the Huddle Coach at River Valley High School in Marion, Ohio. He writes the weekly "God's Coaching Tip." If you'd to receive the "Tip of the Week," e-mail Coach Street at coachpatstreet@timeoutsports.org.
