CHAMPIONS CHOOSE THE HIGHER GOAL

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." (Matthew 7:12, KJV)

Larry Nelson's goal as a teenager was to play in the World Series--not of golf, but of baseball.

Golf didn't get his attention until he was 21. The first time he played 18 holes, he broke 100 and he improved fast.

He earned his PGA Tour card six years later. Within his first decade on the PGA Tour, he'd won six tournaments, two of his three majors, and played on two Ryder Cup Teams.

En route to stardom, he developed friendships with a few pros involved in the PGA Tour Fellowship, who shared with him the Gospel of Christ. One day, in a blinding, California dust storm, God's Spirit opened his eyes to a new life in Jesus.

Larry now had a new goal for life. Winning a golf tournament was still important, but leading his family spiritually and introducing others to Jesus was a higher goal.

After the last round of the 1982 World Series of Golf at Firestone CC, Larry was signing autographs. A young pro approached him, "My name is Drew. I'm an assistant pro from the Findlay, Ohio, Findlay Country Club. I just wanted to meet you."

As they began to chat Drew admitted, "I'm struggling with my life and wonder if you have any advice?"

Larry asked Drew if he wanted to talk more. Drew jumped at the chance.

That 30-minute conversation changed Drew's life.

Later he would read a magazine article about Larry's faith and give his life to Jesus.

Larry made a choice that day as he was signing autographs. He chose to make time for a young man and pointed him to the One who could answer all life's struggles.

Not all sports champions have a higher goal than earthly victory. Larry Nelson is one who does. And we can make it our goal to live a life like that as well.

--

Jim Hiskey

February 20, 2006

Copyright 2006 Links Players International

The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.