Be ready to share what’s of eternal value at any time.
August, 1993. Our band of Christian golfing brothers stood on hallowed ground officially known as The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers – and simply called “Muirfield.” What was about to happen that day only God could have known, or ordained. We were there as part of our annual “Amigo Golf Challenge,” to play 36 holes over this famous Scottish links course – a place we were fortunate to be invited to, and one we’d probably never return to.
We began the day with group prayer on the first tee.
Then the first shot was struck, and off we went with our four caddies, each carrying two bags. We reveled in the beauty of the place, the history of a 250 year-old course, and an 85 degree day without a trace of wind or clouds in
the sky. Could it get any better than this? We were about to find out.
The competition was fierce yet friendly. We all wanted to win and were focused on doing so, yet we could congratulate our opponent for a shot we wished we had hit, and help them search for lost balls (there were a few!). All the while we shared with one another our deepest joys, ambitions, and life issues as we pursued that little white ball.
We interacted with our caddies too – interested in knowing not only about the history of the course and the great stories that were begging to be told on these links, but also about their lives, families and faith. As we neared the end of this glorious day one of the caddies seemed to take a greater interest in our group, asking questions of each of us about why we seemed to be ‘different’ than most of the other players he caddied for.
He began to open up about some of the challenges he was facing in life. We listened closely, asking questions for better understanding and never judging, all the while praying silent prayers in our hearts for this man. As we came off the final green and were congratulating each other for the battles won and lost on this incredible day, our inquisitive caddie said very simply to our group, “I want what you guys have.” It was then that we responded to what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:15: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. So we shared our faith in Christ as our Lord and Savior, and it was then that our caddie gave his life to Christ.
But that’s not the end of the story. Five years later with the same Amigo Golf Challenge brothers on the 18th green at Pebble Beach, another caddie said “I want what you’ve got,” and another soul was won for the kingdom.
Matthew 28:18-20 is referred to as “The Great Commission,” where Christ commissioned his disciples (as well as all believers to come, including us), with these words: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.”
For most of us, those are scary words. Fear grips us when we think we have to stand on a street corner somewhere and shout out the Gospel of Christ. Or beat on a Bible and tell people they’re going to hell if they don’t believe. But I don’t think that is what Jesus was calling us to do. What I do think he wants us to do is to live an authentic life in Christ (remember what Peter said – set apart Christ in your hearts) – because our actions speak so much louder than our words. In fact when it comes to our words, most of us are hypocrites – we say one thing and
do another. But if we’re living authentically for Christ, then our actions will speak volumes about our faith.
The very first believers, before they were called “Christians,” were said to follow “The Way” – all because of the way they loved one another, shared with one another, cared for one another, prayed for one another and grieved with one
another. They were so different that they drew attention to themselves simply by their actions. And because of that thousands and thousands of people came to faith in Christ, and the early church literally exploded in growth.
St. Francis of Assisi perhaps said it best with these words over 900 years ago: “Share the Gospel daily, and when necessary use words.”
Think about it. Are you living a life that others would look at and say, “I want what you’ve got?” The first step to living such a life is to set apart Christ in your heart as Lord. Then God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will equip you to live in a way that others will indeed want what you’ve got. May you experience the great joy and peace that comes as a result of living such a life.
Harris Wheeler is a Convene “Chair”, called by the Lord after 58 years of preparation to serve Christian business owners & CEOs who desire to run better businesses, increase leadership success, all with an eternal focus.
