One path, many sets of directions

Four guys exit the health club after their workout.

"I heard good things about this new pub," John says, "why don't we all grab a quick sandwich? My treat."

They agree and John is about to give them directions, but Jim holds up his hand.

"Wait, I'm parked a few blocks over on Center street, and my car is facing south so tell me how to get there from that direction."

"Well, I think there's construction that way," John cautions, "and if I could just tell you..."

"Don't worry," Jim says over his shoulder, "I'll figure it out. More interesting this way." And he walks away toward Center street.

Jason also walks off in a different direction. "I have to pick up a couple things from the Convenient Store first," he says, "but I'll still catch up to you in plenty of time. I can ask the people at the store for directions."

"It's kind of dangerous over by that store," John cautions, "couldn't we eat first and then you can do that later, closer to your house?" But Jason is already turning the corner.

Only Jeremy is left standing with John.

"So where is this delicious new place you heard about, John? I'll walk with you."

John smiles and points at the building directly across the street. 

"It's right there."

Jeremy half laughs and exclaims as they quickly cross the street and enter the door, "Why didn't you just tell them it was right here?! Maybe they wouldn't have gone off in their own directions and put off our time together!"

John shakes his head and smiles back. "I started to with Jim, but he just waved me off as you saw, and you know Jason--he'd much rather find his own way--especially once you try to give him directions! I worry about both of them, but they're grown-ups after all, they can think for themselves!"

Jeremy steps in and the door closes behind them as they look forward to a delicious meal and good fellowship. They never see Jason or Jim again.

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go by it. But narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14

What do you believe?

Fundamental-less

Sooner or later, golfers realize they have to work on the fundamentals.

Eye on the ball, keep your head down, turn at the waist, shift your weight, follow-through.

You can spot someone who consistently applies the fundamentals. Long tee shots onto the fairway, approach shots that avoid the sand traps, chip shots land near the hole.

Consistent golfers - fundamentalists.

You can also spot the fundamental-less golfers. One tee shot goes left, the next right. Their approach shots go way short of the green, way long. They're in the sand, in the lake.

They might be great athletes and smart people. But they lift their head, or choose the wrong club, or neglect to follow-through. 

Both types of golfers eventually get through the course and end up back in the clubhouse. 

But honestly, even when fundamental-less golfers say, "Well, it was nice to be outside and I had a couple of good shots," they would have preferred keeping their ball out of the trees and sand.

Fundamentalists are able to offer them helpful, succinct advice, and they do.

Still, one or two tips can change the next shot - but it doesn't change their overall "game."

So when a sincere, seeking fundamental-less asks, "how can I be more fulfilled in this game if I really want to improve?" the fundamentalist is kind to advise, "get some lessons and go to the practice range."

Learn and study. Don't take short cuts or you'll just get different bad habits.

I've never heard a fundamental-less golfer grumble, "those darn consistent fundamentals golfers - who told them they could shoot par?!"   That same outcome is accessible and attainable to them.  Sure, not everyone goes on the pro tour, and not everyone wants to. But everyone can enjoy the best possible game available. Or they can hit random shots and walk the course in frustration. But that lacks purpose.

Jesus said, 

"I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

That abundant life is accessible and freely attainable. The fundamentals are in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Enjoy the course!

What do you believe?