God's Coaching #177

God's Coaching #177

Many athletes talk about how the game “slows down” when they’re on a hot streak. For PGA Tour veteran Ben Crane, though, a slow game resulted in one of the biggest controversies of his professional career. PGA Tour golfers usually play in pairs or trios. When one player prepares to swing or putt, the others must wait silently. The problem was, Ben was one of the slowest players on the tour.

At the 2005 Booz Allen Classic in Bethesda, Maryland, Ben was paired in the final round with South African Rory Sabbatini, a notoriously fast player. When tournament officials gave the duo a warning because of Ben’s lethargic pace, Rory fumed and walked ahead to the 18th tee even though Ben was still on the 17th fairway. By golf’s gentlemanly code of conduct, Rory’s act was rude. After their round, Rory had heated words for his playing partner. To play with Ben, patience was required, and Rory struggled to have it that day.

What’s the Score?

Just like in golf, patience is needed in everyday life. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. People can be tough to love. On any given day, they can be annoying, cranky, or downright mean. (Does that sound familiar?) But guess what? It’s hypocritical for us to be impatient with others because we have plenty of flaws ourselves. Just because someone is obnoxious or unkind or clumsy doesn’t mean you have a right to treat that person rudely.

God commands us to be patient with others in Ephesians 4:2. Patience is the mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ. It is one of the descriptions of true, godly love in 1 Corinthians 13, and it is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. Most importantly, we must remember that God has been exceedingly patient with us. Our sins deserve punishment and death, but instead, he has shown great patience by offering us the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. With that as our example, let’s be patient with others!

On the Ball

On a sheet of paper, list the things that annoy you the most. Then make another column and list ways you can be patient with people whenever they do things that bother you.

Coach’s Comment

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2