Focused on the Majors

While club professional, Michael Block, may have captured the hearts of golf fans with his surprising 15th-place finish at the PGA Championship over the weekend, it was Brooks Koepka who ultimately emerged as the tournament’s winner. By finishing with a score of nine-under, Koepka secured his fifth career major title. This victory also comes right on the heels of finishing tied for second at The Masters in April. With a dominant performance over the final three rounds, Koepka once again showed how poised and disciplined he plays on the biggest stage. He knows what it takes to win majors, and his game always seems to click during the most important tournaments throughout the year. Since turning professional in 2012, Koepka has nine career victories on the PGA Tour. Amazingly, five of those wins have come at major tournaments. You’d assume he’d have the same high level of success at other tournaments besides majors, but that simply hasn't always been the case. “I think my focus , I don’t know what it is, but I need to take it over into regular tour events too. For some reason, the majors just get my attention, it’s so important,” Koepka explained. Every golfer wants to win majors and become known for being a champion at the most important tournaments, but what about the rest of the time? It’s easier to put an emphasis on the events that people readily notice, but shouldn’t a complete golfer pursue greatness no matter when and where he’s playing? If a golfer wants to be a consistent winner, shouldn’t all tournaments be viewed as important to win? Shouldn't he try to do whatever is necessary to win every time he steps on the course, instead of downplaying or taking certain events not seriously enough? Likewise, in our faith journeys, our focus often tends to be on “major” sins, and we give special attention to fighting against them. We make sure we win in the most “important” areas, but, the reality is, we overlook “minor” sins that we regard as no big deal. However, it’s dangerous to start picking and choosing which of God’s commands we’re willing to follow and not be concerned with the others. 1 John 5:3 (NLT) says, “Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.” How often do we adhere to the commands that have been elevated (by people), but then blow off some things that Jesus says because we don’t consider them “major?” In Luke 6:46 (ESV), Jesus asks, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Just like Brooks Koepka has the ability to play much better during regular events, if he puts the necessary focus on them and takes them seriously, we can pursue obedience in all areas of our lives if we give the proper attention to God’s Word. We don’t obey out of duty but in response to our love for Jesus. Thankfully, He helps us experience victory over all sin, not just the "majors"! Today, let’s remember to rest in His grace when we “shoot a bad round,” and continue to take His commands seriously as we pursue Him with all of our hearts and rely on His Spirit to guide us. “Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments!” (Psalm 112:1 – ESV). I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to live a life of obedience and want to do Your will in all areas of my life. Please show me the areas I’m overlooking and help me delight in Your commandments. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:

1. Why do you think we have a tendency to "categorize" sins as either more or less serious? 2. Are there any sins in your life that you've been neglecting to deal with because they seem to be "minor"? If so, what steps will you take to live in obedience to God's commands?