Spiritual Lessons From The Golden Bear

Years ago I attempted to take up the game of golf. In so doing I like so many others decided on my golfing hero and mentor of the game. No although I never met "the Golden Bear personally, I did read every instructional book and watch every instructional VHS video I could rent in order to learn the lessons from the best. Even to this day occasionally someone will ask me after I (attempt to ) strike the ball, "Why do you tilt your head to the left?" In case you do not know this was a trait of Jack Nicklaus, one of the world's greatest golfer.
Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear, is one of the greatest golfers of all time. Jack hold the record for the most wins of the Master’s with six. He holds the record for being the oldest person to ever win the Masters when he won in 1986 at the age of 46. Yet there was a time when Jack Nicklaus faced a career down run. He describes this period in his life:

"I was playing good golf, but it really wasn't that big a deal to me one way or the other. And then my father passed away and I sort of realized that he had certainly lived his life through my golf game. I really hadn't probably given him the best of that. So I sort of got myself back to work. So '70 was an emotional one for me from that standpoint. ... It was a big boost"

Jack had won 7 major tournaments from 1962-1967, 0 wins in 1968-1969, but then he won 11 Major Tournaments from 1970 –1986. Of these wins he won the Open Championship twice, the US Open twice, the PGA Championship four times, and the Masters three more times.

       

You may be wondering what Jack Nicklaus has to do with our Christian Life and our lack of growth and commitment, let me explain. Jack stated that the problem with his game was in his heart and head and not in his swing. He realized how important his golf was to his dad and in an attempt to please his dad Jack recommitted himself to be the best golfer he could be.

My thoughts are these. Our problem is not in our programs as much as the problem is in our hearts and in our heads. Maybe we have forgotten how important we are to God and how much God wants the best for us and from us. May we be reminded of our Father’s love for us, for His church and for the unchurched that it will motivate each of us to get back to work and to be His best.

       

Two important rules of making solid contact with the ball is to keep your head still and do not have too tight of grip on the club. Therefore may our minds remain focused on the Godly and our grip not be too tight on the worldly.