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MASTER OF MASTERS
"In a large house, there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay;
some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good
work." (2 Timothy 2:20-21, NIV)
Maybe Bobby Jones knew better.
In the beginning, Jones was hesitant to call the Masters by its longstanding name. He thought it too
presumptuous. So for the first several years, the Masters was known by the more pedestrian title, the Augusta National Invitation Tournament.
Now, we have all grown to love and appreciate the Masters. It is the season's first major, and it
ushers in spring, which is the commencement of the golf season for many, especially those outside of Hawaii, Arizona, California and Florida, where the tours have spent their opening months.
More than that, the Masters brings us the beauty of Augusta and the thrill of play that uniquely
surrounds the twelfth through sixteenth holes.
And the Masters brings us its great champions: Palmer, Player, Nicklaus, Faldo, Woods.
But in the midst of all this grandeur, many years, like this one, the Masters falls the same weekend
as Easter. It is easy, under such circumstances, to have our interests divided, isn't it? Sure we can record the action and watch it after church and family, but it can be hard to wait, particularly if
Sunday's round promises a showdown.
I'll try not to overspiritualize the matter, but the truth is that the Masters isn't
the only activity like this in life. Many things seek to turn our attentions from Christ. Paul even wrote of those who are married, that their interests are divided between Christ and their spouse. When
competing interests like this rise up to seize our focus, we would do well to remember the second aspect of each Links Player's mission: Integrate Christ's reign
and integrity into all of life.
Not everything that is not Christ is wicked. But we must pay attention, for the days are evil, and
even innocent diversions become evil when they become masters of us. I will never forget the night a college buddy turned down an invitation to go to Baskin-Robbins with me. He was "in bondage"
to ice cream, he told me.
Yes, our eyes were meant for Christ. He is Master of Masters, just as He is King of Kings and Lord of
Lords. When we keep our eyes on Him first, we can walk healthily in many arenas, for we bring Him with us. We integrate His Masterful reign into these lesser events.
--
Jeff Hopper
April 5, 2007
Copyright 2007 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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