Finish well…that is what golf and life are all about!

“We rate ability in men by what they finish, not by what they attempt”

Isn’t golf a crazy and wild thing? It has many similarities to life. We watched Tiger lead the first few days and end up not even in the hunt. The leaders new they needed to finish strong, but faltered. Web Simpson had a strong finish and came out as the 2012 U.S. Open Champion.

The U.S. Open is considered the toughest test of golf and you could see the players grind all day. One mistake could cost you the whole tournament. For a few of the players, it did. I like to parallel golf with life. During our journey in life we will have mistakes, failures and sometimes the “ball” will bounce our way. The toughest part of playing in the Open is the mental aspect. Our minds are the most important part of our bodies. It sets the tone for our life. The bible tells us in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Just like golf, we will need to change the way we think. I’m watching a news piece right now about golf and football. Our new college football coach is saying, “We are going to play tough fundamental football”. It’s always the proper fundamentals that help propel us in life and more importantly our walk in life. We must have a proper thought process in order to be successful in our walk with God. Are you “renewing your mind”?

The apostle Paul had to change his mind from a “Christian killer “, to a “Kingdom builder.” Paul understood and practiced this fundamental principle. Paul talked of finishing the race in his second letter to Timothy in chapter 4:7. He understood that no matter what you have done in the past, you can still finish well.  Just like a good golf swing, you must have a good finish. A good finish sometimes reveals what you have done with the rest of your swing. A good finish in your life will show what you have done to get to that point!

Discussion questions:

1.    What are you putting in your mind?

2.    Who are you getting fundamental information from?

3.    How are you finishing?