But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13, NIV)
Sometimes access to golf is a question of whether you “belong.”
Even if you “belong” as a golfer—you may be one of the most skilled players in your region—you may have no chance of playing some fine courses because, well, you do not “belong.” You are not a member.
However, if your place is the local muni, and everyone there recognizes you for your quality game, you’ll be received as one with status over and above most others who play there. Those who call your muni their golf home will lift you up as their own champion.
In golf, you don’t need to be a member to have a sense of belonging.
– – –
Heaven and earth also offer their arenas of belonging.
Before you were in Christ, you lived according to the rules of the world. You grabbed what you could, sought status in the things the world values, and became known for your adherence to this way of life.
At that time, however, the kingdom of God was entirely foreign to you. You may have wanted nothing to do with it or may have at least wondered, “Why would anyone choose to live their life over there?” The way believers thought and talked—and sometimes sang their songs and danced their dances!—had you saying this one thing in your brain: “I don’t belong there.” And you may also have added: “And I don’t want to belong there.” So you advocated for the life you were living. After all, in that world you could make all your own rules.
Until the rule of love captured your heart. By the Holy Spirit’s illumination, you saw who Jesus was and how much he loved you and the true kind of freedom that he offered. It was time to move. And you did. You entered Christ’s kingdom.
Suddenly, the world was alien to you. Many of your old desires became increasingly unattractive. You had moved on. And yet your physical heart still beats in that world. You live and work and recreate with those who still call that world your home. If only they could see!
So here you find yourself, an ambassador where you are an alien, a herald of the king in enemy territory. Some will listen, many will not. But this does not change your calling. You are a messenger of Christ. Carry that message by your integrity, your mercy, and your words of his truth.
—
Jeff Hopper
March 18, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
OTHER DEVOTIONS IN THE CALLING SERIES
Calling, Part 1: Identity First
Calling, Part 2: Response and Readiness
Calling, Part 3: Is It God?
Calling, Part 4: Lacking a Caller
Calling, Part 5: Your Specific Destiny
Calling, Part 6: Sovereignty and Calling
Calling, Part 7: Looking Forward, Looking Back
Calling, Part 8: God’s Confirmation, Our Confidence
Calling, Part 10: Excellence in Our Calling
Calling, Part 11: Balance in Our Calling