Last night, my dad and I went to see the new movie, The Mulligan, which was very entertaining, powerful and inspiring. We both really enjoyed it!
The movie uses the game of golf as the backdrop, while the story centers around the main character who is a successful businessman, workaholic, separated from his wife, and hated by his son.
It’s based on the book, The Mulligan, written by former PGA touring pro, Wally Armstrong (a guest on The UNPACKIN' it Podcast) and bestselling author, Ken Blanchard.
Through the help of a retired golf pro (played by Pat Boone) who comes alongside Paul McAlister (played by Eric Close, also a guest on The UNPACKIN' it Podcast) to mentor him, the movie becomes about “Mulligans” - forgiveness, grace, and second chances.
I don’t want to spoil the movie because I encourage you to watch it, but today I want to use it as inspiration as we unpack how to utilize “mulligans” in our own lives.
Apparently, many believe the term “mulligan” began in the 1920s when a Canadian amateur golfer named David Mulligan had a bumpy car ride on his way to the golf course. Because he was so shaken from the drive, he ended up hitting a poor shot on the first tee, and reacted by teeing it up again and taking a correction shot that was ultimately declared a “mulligan.”
Mulligans aren’t included in the official rules of golf but are given to one another when friends are playing informally. It allows the golfer to take a “do-over” or have another attempt after initially messing up. It's an unpenalized chance to take a swing again as the bad shot doesn’t count on the scorecard.
In other words, a mulligan is a substitute or replacement for the bad shot, giving players a fresh start. It provides them an opportunity to try again after missing the mark.
When we take this concept and relate it to life, we can see how a “mulligan” parallels the second chance that Jesus provides us. As the movie similarly pointed out, Jesus gives us the ultimate mulligan through His grace and forgiveness - despite the fact we’ve missed the mark and fallen short with our “bad shot.”
Romans 5:8 (AMP) says, "But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Jesus is our substitute, as He took the penalty of sin on the cross and when we place our faith in Him we receive a fresh start.
1 Peter 2:24 (NLT) tells us, "He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds, you are healed.”
Once we receive the ultimate mulligan, we have the opportunity to tell others about how they too can experience grace, forgiveness, and second chances for themselves.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV) explains, "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
We not only tell others about the ultimate mulligan, but because of God’s grace toward us, we also give others mulligans. Even after they’ve wronged us or “hit a bad shot,” we allow them to try again as we demonstrate grace and forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) encourages us to "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Lastly, all of us need mulligans in life when we make poor decisions. Thankfully, each day we get a chance to tee it up again and be who God created us to be and stay on His course.
We don't have to remain in our shame or give up based on the way we “hit in the woods.” God is willing to forgive us when we sin and hit an errant shot, but we must be willing to go to Him and humble ourselves, confess our mistakes, and accept His grace.
1 John 1:9 (AMP) is a wonderful reminder of this: “If we admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just , and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness .”
Just like golfers need grace or a “mulligan” when they miss the mark by losing focus, hitting it the wrong way, or allowing the pressure to get the best of them, let’s embrace the ultimate mulligan that is available to us.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16; ESV).
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your unmerited favor and undeserved grace. Please help me give grace to others while also pointing others to Jesus so they can experience a second chance and new life. Thank you for the way You are restoring and redeeming the things in my life that are broken. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways has God given you a second chance in life?
In what ways do you need a "mulligan" today?
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