Train Yourself for Godliness (Part Two)

Train Yourself for Godliness (Part Two).  Jack Nicklaus, affectionately nicknamed “The Golden Bear” by his fans, was the consummate golfer in his generation, perhaps his century. Inducted into golf’s Hall of Fame in 1974, he toured professionally for over 30 years, winning 117 PGA tournaments, including 18 Major tournaments, several times winning at the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and Open Championship. 

I’ve never played a single hole in my life, yet I still know about Jack Nicklaus and his humility. In 1950, at 10 years old in Columbus, Ohio, Nicklaus began his mentorship with golf instructor Jack Grout. In 1962 when Nicklaus turned professional, and every year after throughout his legendary career, he would return to his mentor, Jack Grout, before the PGA season started and say, “Teach me how to play golf.” The swing, the grip, the aim, the ball—Nicklaus already knew and practiced these foundational elements—yet he approached the game afresh annually as if he were a newbie. Nicklaus was always training.

Nicklaus’ story looms large in my mind as we stand at the new church year, focusing not on his game but on his mindset. “Teach me how to follow Jesus,” could be our prayer of convocation, similar to David’s mindset when he prays: “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psa. 61:2); “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths” (Psa. 25:4).

I am convinced that we do not need something new, sophisticated, or sensational. Everything tried in the last three decades that has been marketed as new, sophisticated, and sensational has ended up on the thrift store shelf, once mass-produced only to be discarded and discounted to twenty-five cents for paperback and fifty cents for hardback. (Just think: The Prayer of Jabez or Left Behind). Instead of that, and though we have never left, we need to return to the timeless, changeless cross of Christ, praying, “Teach me how to follow Jesus.”

Following Jesus impacts at least these few categories: we need to know Christ deeply, love God and others authentically, and serve the world purposefully. Christians in every location and throughout all generations have walked this humble pathway to the cross of Christ; a metaphorical pilgrimage to our spiritual origin and a lens to envision our spiritual destination.