I had a fantastic opportunity this past summer; the opportunity to golf at Whistling Straits over in Kohler, WI, a beautiful setting overlooking Lake Michigan. This was a very unique experience, because every pair of golfers were paired up with a caddy. For me, it was the 1st time ever, and I was actually nervous to have someone following me around, watching me, and coaching me on what club to use, what the slope of the green was, how and where to putt the ball, because my golf game is about as inconsistent as can be. But you know what…it only took my caddy a couple holes and he had me all figured out. All I could imagine was, in the back of his mind he was probably thinking about me, (as a golfer, Kevin is just a lost cause).
But, I was wrong, he hung right in there with me. He was very gracious and good at his job. We would walk up to the ball and he would hand me the club I should use. Now, you have to realize, that’s pretty scary. I usually don’t know what club I should use, and I’ve been golfing with me for years!
There were a few times he would hand me a club and I thought, that is a poor choice for a club to use. But he would tell me; "just hit it over there, lay it up short and play it safe." I thought, well what fun is that? Lets give the long ball a try, give it a rip and see what happens. Let’s go for par. He would just smile, shake his head, hand me the club I wanted, and say, "OK, but if you hit it to the right - you’re out of bounds, hit it short or to the left – you’re in a hazard, hit it long - you’re over the green and it will roll into the woods. You will end up with a 7 or 8 (which is 3 or 4 over par)." So, reluctantly I’d take his advice, play the hole his way and end up with a 1 over par. I guess I have to admit, he knew what he was doing.
There are so many lessons to be learned about our life as a Christian from an experience like this. The caddy was there to watch out for me, to help me out when I needed it, to give encouragement and to keep me accountable. Doesn’t that sound just like the role of a Christian parent, a good Christian friend, or your church family?
We are surrounded by hazards every day. Our faith is tested and our attitude and actions are sometimes questionable. We are tempted to take that risky shot. Jesus came to be a light to the world. As we grow in our faith and reliance on Jesus Christ, we understand that He came to be a light to the world and that light is to shine through each one of us. We are all called to be caddy’s – encouraging and leading others to a closer faith and relationship to Jesus.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
The caddy knew that golf course like the back of his hand. He knew all the right advice to give, and he gave that advice in a kind and caring way, so that the end result would turn out for the best. The only thing is, he couldn’t hit the ball for me. I had to step up and hit that ball myself. I was the only one accountable for my score. It’s the same way in your relationship with Christ. Your parents, spouse, best friend, teacher, pastor or your church can give you all the guidance and instruction you need, but you alone have to make the decision to accept Christ as your personal savior. The free gift of grace is there for you, but there is no one else that can accept it for you. YOU have to step up and hit the ball yourself.
If you haven't made the decision to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I pray that you will look to Him and that He will provide you with that caddy to help you on your way.
If there is ever anything I can do, please contact me by phone or you can email me at
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