CHAMPIONS CHOOSE A HIGHER GOAL

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12, NIV)

Drew was reading mail in the golf shop at the Findlay Country Club. "Somebody sent me two tickets to the World Series of Golf," Drew said. "I was an assistant pro, but had played golf only a year. I'd never been to a pro tournament before."

Drew had read an article in Golf World that Larry Nelson had taken up golf at 21. Drew was 22. He met Larry Nelson after the round on Sunday at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

"I popped right in the middle of 15 people waiting for Larry to sign an autograph," Drew said.

He introduced himself to Larry and immediately shared his struggles in learning how to play golf.

"Have you read Hogan's book, The Five Fundamentals?" Larry asked.

Drew shook his head.

"You need to read it."

Drew smiled. He was playing Hogan clubs, as was Larry Nelson. Now Drew had a second thing in common with him.

He would soon have something more important than golf in common with Larry Nelson.

Drew's parents were new believers in Christ. "But they were not good at explaining it to me," Drew said. "One night I was sitting in a chair in our living room watching television. Billy Graham came on and what he said made sense."

Drew said he received Jesus Christ but his struggles in golf and life remained.

It wasn't until he met his future wife, Cindy, who shared a like faith, and got into a good church that his life began to change.

"Nobody really discipled me," Drew said, "but we found an excellent church that preached the Word and really started growing."

I asked Drew how he and Cindy are doing today.

"Everything has changed," Drew said, "Life is peaceful, full of joy!"

Larry Nelson gave 30 minutes to a young man at a pivotal point of his life. He was willing to do for another what he would want done for him.

Question is, when presented with the next opportunity, will I do likewise?

--

Jim Hiskey

March 15, 2006

Copyright 2006 Links Players International

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