“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” — James 1:4

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Golf is more than just a game of skill. It’s a pursuit that requires patience, focus and perseverance — virtues that Christians are called to embrace in their walk with God. As you stand on the green lining up your next putt or teeing off for the long drive, consider the parallels between the game of golf and your walk with God.

In golf, every shot counts. There are times when the ball veers off course, when the weather doesn’t cooperate, or when we miss an easy shot. But a good golfer doesn’t give up. Instead, they focus on the next shot, recalibrate and keep moving forward. Likewise, in our Christian lives, we will inevitably face obstacles. We will stumble. We will miss the mark. And we’re bound to get frustrated as a result. But God calls us to persevere and trust that He has a plan for us, even in the rough patches of life.

Since most of us are amateurs, the game of golf is far from easy. We know we will struggle, but we still get discouraged and frustrated after a bad hole or a tough round. However, experienced golfers know that patience is key. Golf is not a race. It’s a long game, just like our journey with Christ. The apostle Paul compares the Christian life to a race, but it’s a race of perseverance — not of speed. We are called to run with endurance, with our eyes on the prize of eternal life.

In our walk with God, as in golf, it’s the small, consistent efforts that lead to growth. Every challenge is an opportunity to develop patience and maturity in Christ.

Golf also demands precision. A small mistake can have a big impact on the outcome of a shot. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we are called to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Just like in golf, distractions are all around us, but maintaining focus on God allows us to make decisions that reflect His will.

Even the best golfers will often make mistakes, but the key is to let go of those errors and move forward. One bad shot doesn’t define your round, and neither does one mistake define your spiritual life. God’s grace allows us to start fresh every day. In the same way, golf teaches us to remain calm and focused even after a mistake, trusting that the next shot could be the best one.

As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded of 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” The golf course and the Christian walk both teach us the importance of humility and grace, understanding that no matter how many times we fall short, God’s forgiveness is always available.

In golf, you can’t control the wind or the terrain, but you can control your swing, your approach and your attitude. In the same way, we can’t control the circumstances of life, but we can control our response. Focusing on God’s Word and relying on His guidance helps us navigate through life’s challenges with a steady hand.

Despite the challenges, there is joy in the game of golf. The sense of satisfaction from a well-played hole, the camaraderie with friends on the course, and the peace of being out in nature are all part of what makes the game fun. Similarly, the Christian journey, though filled with trials, is also filled with joy — joy in the Lord, in fellowship with other believers, and in the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Jesus reminds us in John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” When we stay rooted in Him, we can experience joy in every season, even when the game of life feels difficult.

— Cole Claybourn

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