It's Not the Score

God has given us the capability to live a victorious life that reflects the presence of Jesus within us. But, it's not something that can be done in our own strength; we have to rely on Him. In 2nd Timothy 3, Paul writes:
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Scriptures make us wise - the Bible teaches us about the importance of possessing Godly wisdom and walking according to the Lord's principles. In order for us to be "complete," to fulfill what God has in store for our lives, we have to be totally reliant on the Scriptures and realize that the Christian life is not lived by self-reliance, but on dependence on the Holy Spirit, so that the presence of God can be seen in us. 

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We can recognize that Christ, as it's been said, is "more than enough" to sustain us and give us what we need to live each day for His glory. 2nd Corinthians chapter 3 states:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The PGA playoffs are in progress this weekend in Memphis, TN, culminating with the TOUR Championship in Atlanta in a couple of weeks.  Going in to the festivities, Scottie Scheffler is the top-ranked golfer in the world. 

The New York Post reports that Scheffler, after winning the Masters last year, had this to say at a press conference: “The reason why I play golf is I’m trying to glorify God and all that He’s done in my life,” he said at his press conference after winning the Masters," adding, “So for me, my identity isn’t a golf score.”

The article says, "Scheffler is one of a growing number of pro golfers proud to wear their Christian beliefs on their sleeves...," and notes, "Each week during Tour, on Tuesday evenings, Christian golfers meet at the PGA Tour Bible Study group."  Sometimes as many as a hundred people may show up.

Scheffler's caddy, Ted Scott, is likewise a Christian, the article notes. It states:

Some might call them a match made in heaven: The duo began working together in November 2021 but first met 10 months earlier at a PGA Tour Bible Study Group.

Since pairing up, Scheffler has won six times on the PGA Tour, including that maiden major victory at the Masters, and risen to No. 1 in the world rankings.

That was from March, when the article was published - Scottie is still number one and attempting to win the PGA playoff championship.

A Sports Spectrum article profiled Scheffler earlier this year. It related that he made these comments on the College Golf Fellowship podcast before the final round of last year's Masters: “I would say it’s easier for me to rely on the Lord when things are bad than when things are really good,” adding, “And so, in that moment, I think that was Him really breaking us down again.”  The article stated:

The former University of Texas star also said on the podcast that he used to think he could do everything on his own. His perspective changed when he realized his need for a Savior.

“I think one of the most profound things in my walk of faith is recognizing my need for a Savior, not believing that I could connect with God but believing that God was the One connecting with me,” he said.

Meredith, his wife, has been a source of encouragement, who reminded him before that final round that he was "playing for God's glory," as the article noted. Scottie is quoted as saying: 

"...Like Meredith told me this morning, ‘If you win this golf tournament today, if you lose this golf tournament by 10 shots, if you never win another golf tournament again,’ she goes, ‘I’m still going to love you, you’re still going to be the same person, Jesus loves you and nothing changes.’ All I’m trying to do is glorify God and that’s why I’m here and that’s why I’m in this position.”

Here is a young man in his 20's, on one of the biggest stages in sports, the number-one ranked golfer in the entire world, who has exhibited his humility before God.  Scottie Scheffler's testimony can remind us of why we do what we do - and who we do it for!  And, that can be a great way to measure the decisions we make: are we glorifying God and seeking to please Him or are we glorifying our selves?

Certainly, a day on the golf course can have it series of ups and downs - which is a representation of life itself.  But, even when we encounter negative developments, we can recognize the hand of God. He teaches us through our trials, and we can maintain a sense of rejoicing even when we are down - that can draw us closer to Him.   

We have to continue to stay humble, realizing our sufficiency is in Him.  When we depend on ourselves, our own strength, we run the risk of missing out on what God wants to do in and through us.  He is calling us to a life of dependence on His presence, His resources, and His life moving through us.