God's Coaching #101

God's Coaching #101

For years sports announcers called Phil Mickelson “the best player never to win a major.” The talented left-handed golfer had won 22 PGA titles and had been on the hunt for numerous major championships. Phil finished second in the US Open in 1999 and 2002. He notched four third-place finishes at the Masters from 1996 to 2003. He was even second at the PGA Championships in 2001. But for some reason Phil never could win the big one.

That all changed on this day in the 2004 Masters. Phil entered the final round in a tie for the lead. But two eagles by Ernie Els put the South African ahead midway through the round. Phil answered Ernie’s charge with birdies of his own on holes 12, 13, and 14. When Phil knocked home another birdie putt on hole 16, he was tied with Ernie with two holes to go. Instead of thinking about past failures, Phil focused on winning.

On the 18th hole, Phil’s ball rested 18 feet from the cup. Another player, Chris DiMarco, blasted his ball out of the sand, and it landed right behind Phil’s. Phil watched closely as Chris putted and missed. When Phil’s turn came, he used what he had learned to focus on sinking the final shot. He confidently rolled in a birdie . . . and won the Masters!

What’s the Score?

Phil had recorded 17 top-10 finishes in major golf competitions. But he didn’t break through for a victory until he followed his playing partner’s ball. By using Chris’s shot as an example, Phil earned his first green jacket for winning the Masters.

As Christians, we need to follow the example of people who have gone before us. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 the apostle Paul says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (NIV). If we call ourselves followers of Christ, we should do just that—follow. We don’t need to blaze our own trail or try something different. God often calls us to see how other believers have lived successfully and to follow their examples. We can also learn from other people’s actions and make minor adjustments to be more successful. That’s what Phil did, and it gave him the victory.

On the Ball

Think of a person in your life you want to follow. Maybe it’s a parent, a youth pastor, a relative, or a coach. And, of course, remember to follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ.

Coach’s Comment

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)