For God does not show favoritism. (Romans 2:11, NIV)
Do you have a favorite professional golfer that you like to see win the big tour events? Something in their demeanor or personality or approach to the game draws you to them, and you love to watch their birdie putts go in the hole.
Once I asked a tour pro whether he favored himself—that is, did he pray to win? I will always remember his answer. He told me that he did not believe God cares whether he wins. “But he cares about my attitude on the golf course and my character,” he told me. “He cares how I represent Jesus.”
You see, God is rooting for the same thing from all of us. In the second chapter of his letter to the Romans, Paul laid it on the line. Do evil, face “trouble and distress.” Do good, find “glory, honor and peace.”
This was an important question for Paul’s audience, because both Jews and non-Jews read his letters. They wanted to know whose side he was on. Paul affirmed the Lord’s position: No favorites when it comes to ethnicity or religion. Rather, God is for those who find their righteousness in Jesus.
I played recently with a couple of golfers who told me they were Jewish. As we walked and talked, they expressed to me that they were open to seeking out Jesus and exploring whether he is truly the Messiah. I encouraged them to do so, because those who are earnestly willing to look are likely already being called by the Lord. God will speak to their hearts and give them clarity if they truly seek him.
Many of you have friends who may think they are “on the outs” with God. They think they were born on the wrong side of the religious tracks or they’re sure their sinner’s pedigree has closed the door between them and God. Others may not have Jesus for the opposite reason. They’re proud of a church heritage or their own self-driven “goodness”; their pride keeps them at arm’s length from the Lord.
None of this matters. We cannot judge the soil, but we can sow seeds. We can love our friends and in that love tell them about Jesus. We can speak innocently and happily of the things God has done in our lives. It’s the same way we get a friend to explore a new golf course. We say, “You’ve really got to check this out!
And here’s great news: Jesus said that those who seek find. Do what you can to make seekers of your friends. The Lord is waiting to welcome so many of them!
—
Dereck Wong
November 13, 2012
Copyright 2012 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.