by Guest Writer, Josh Carpenter
Most of my friends and family know I’m a huge fan of golf - especially links golf. Although I look forward to the rolling hills, lush green grass, and beautiful azaleas of Augusta National and The Masters each spring, nothing beats the U.K.'s dry, brown golf courses (and sometimes brutal weather conditions) in the summer.
Right now we’re in the middle of one of the best stretches of the golf season - the Irish Open, Scottish Open, and The Open Championship (the British Open).
I’ve always loved these three consecutive weeks of golf because they remind me of when I used to get up early in the morning with my dad and two brothers to watch the all-day TV coverage.
The Open (which began today) particularly presents a set of challenges that players don't experience at a regular PGA Tour stop in the U.S.
On this side of the Atlantic, golfers are often presented with long courses that require a driver and a high-arching iron into the green (commonly called “target golf”).
When they head to the U.K., however, they are often times faced with rain, howling winds, and dried out courses. Players are forced to think more creatively and embrace the different types of obstacles.
They might play more bump-and-runs around the green or be required to hit long irons off the tee to keep the ball under the wind. Tiger Woods famously hit only one driver all week in 2006 en route to a win at Royal Liverpool.
The golfers are required to think outside the box and play the course in a way they’re not always comfortable with. In fact, many aren’t considered great champions until they conquer links courses.
As Christians, we’re often faced with situations we're not always comfortable with. It’s easy to talk about Jesus and His love at our "home course," like in church or at a Bible study, but how do we react when we’re at work with people opposed to faith...or when we’re hanging out with some buddies who live differently than we do? Or what if God calls us to go to another country?
Mark 16:15 (NIV) tells us of Jesus' command: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”
Spreading His name and His love is something we can all improve on and be more proactive about. 1 Peter 3:15 (AMP) offers this encouragement: "But in your hearts set Christ apart as Lord. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance that is within you, yet with gentleness and respect.”
My pastor once placed a sign near the exit of our church that read, “You are now entering the mission field.” This is a great reminder that we, like golfers, have work to do even if it requires being in uncomfortable situations.
Today, let’s embrace the challenge of looking for opportunities to verbally communicate the gospel and exhibit a Christ-like attitude in our everyday lives.
I’m Josh Carpenter, and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would help me spread Your love in all situations - even in challenging times. Going along with the crowd is easier, but help me fight the good fight and openly share Your Word. I pray these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.
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