GOLF - A SHADOW OF GOD’S KINGDOM?
by Robert Haggard, M.D.I know of no other sport like golf that has such a high standard for “par.” Only the best players consistently average par. Most golfers, after a day of golf, will readily admit that the course was the winner. In other sports, no matter what level one is, one can call himself a good player. Par is subjective unlike with golf. Likewise, in the Kingdom of God, the standard (Jesus) is set extraordinarily high. No one calls himself a “good Christian.” We all readily admit we are far below the standard.
Consistency is the “name of the game” in golf. So, too, in the Kingdom of God. You can do very well for 5 holes and then encounter disaster on the next hole. You cannot become haughty about one good hole because the next one may humble you. Every golfer knows that, in order to improve and attain consistency in golf, almost daily practice is required. If that is required in golf, how much more in the Kingdom of God, since the standard is infinitely higher? If we are not meeting with God daily and walking and abiding in Him, how can we make it in the Kingdom? If we consider the standard in golf almost unattainable without constant practice, how much more must it be so with God’s standard?
One might say, with a standard set so high, how can we ever feel good about ourselves, since we never measure up? Be encouraged! Just like in golf, whereas one or two good shots encourage us and keep us coming back, so in God’s Kingdom, Jesus always encourages us, if we are listening, with timely words that pick us up and keep us going.