Years ago, Curtis Strange, one of the golfers in the Master’s Tournament, teed up on the 12th hole and hit a beautiful shot. It rolled right up and dropped in the cup for a hole in one. The crowd went crazy with applause. Cheering. Then Curtis Strange did an interesting thing. He leaned down, reached into the cup, picked up the ball, and tossed it into the creek. Now the media went crazy.
With cameras and microphones on him they asked, “Why didn’t you keep it? You could have left it to your grandchildren.” I love his response. “I certainly hope that when I’m gone, I have something better than a golf ball to leave to my grandchildren.”
It's a great story, but it should also make us stop and think about what we will leave behind for others to follow or inherit. All of us influence others. All of us leave a pathway from our choices and actions while we are alive.
The only way to guarantee that you have something better than a “golf ball” to leave those you love is to shape your life after the teaching of God’s word. If you and I are Christ followers, we will prioritize our lives in a way that leaves a spiritual legacy which will serve them well if they choose to follow us.
I was shocked a few years ago as one of our grandchildren, 7 years old at the time, wanted to wear something that her Mae Mae thought was inappropriate. Her response was to reference a twenty-something aunt that wears this kind of clothing. What we do, say, and live out in our lives influences people all around us. We all, most certainly, have a 360-degree sphere of influence.
The Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah, was led by God to challenge the people of Israel. He wrote in Jeremiah 15:19, “This is how the LORD responds: ‘If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!’”
Live for Jesus and don’t let the world around you influence you in negative way. The ripple effects of our lives are so important. It’s a good day to do a personal inventory check. Let God lead you in His ways and you will leave behind a godly legacy for all to remember. Leave the people around you something “better than a golf ball.”
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