We Were Made for More

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Thursday, November 14, 2013   LK Jordan

If you don't golf, you may still know that Jack Nicklaus is widely regarded as the most accomplished professional golfer of all time, winning 18 major championships over 25 years. But at the twilight of his career, he observed, "I changed my approach (to golf), because for me there are more important things in life than winning major championships."  

Whoa! . . . Back-Up! . . . Rewind! . . . if Jack Nicklaus believes there are more important things in life than the incredible accomplishments he is so very famous for, what does that tell me?  

Mr. Nicklaus is possibly familiar with Scripture where he would have learned from Micah that the good God requires of us is that we "act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Him." (Micah 6:8). Zachariah, echoed by James and speaking directly for the Lord, tells us that we are to "judge fairly and show mercy and kindness to one another, not oppressing widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor, nor scheming against each other."
(Zech 7:9-10)  

God's Word goes on to specifically define us as "a chosen people, to be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Col. 3:12).  As chosen people, Stearns writes that we have "local tasks" to do, tasks such as pray, share, work with joy, be truthful, choose integrity, mentor, visit, comfort, feed, etc.  God designed us to do these "sacred things, privileged things, kingdom things" . . . especially within our extended families, surely within the Church and also in the world.  

As we help widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor, we can love by being compassionate, kind and gentle. As we serve through music or teaching, we can work with humility. We can graciously cook and share, work the yard and the county park, clean the bath and pick up trash out of love for all. One-Percenters may joyfully share their blessings.

So Jack is right; indeed "there are more important things in life than winning"  and Paul nails it: "Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first."  (Phil. 2:3-4, Voice)

Just imagine if 2 billion-plus Christians were "all in" with this way of life . . . .

Gracious and Loving Heavenly Father, thank You that You have loved and forgiven us in spite of our sins. That is so very awesome. Thank You for giving us Your Word and teaching us how to love one another. Please send us Your Spirit-led strength to be kind, humble, gentle and understanding with our brothers and sisters in Christ, so that Your love is reflected through us. And help us to live out Your Gospel in the world just as You have commanded. Amen.

 

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