Flight of the Ball

There is a wonderful saying in golf which is “the flight of the ball never lies.”  Meaning the trajectory of the ball after it is struck by the club is a clear reflection of how the club was swung (speed, grip, swing plane, etcetera).  Often how we think we swung the golf club versus how we actually swung are markedly different.  The flight of the ball determines what the reality is of that golf swing.  It is a well placed analogy to a faith life.  A well reflected faith life based on what we believe, our relationship with Jesus, and what is going on in our heart will be demonstrated in the “flight of the ball” (our thoughts, words and actions).  It give us the opportunity of “swing” correction when the “flight of the ball” indicates that what we think our faith is and what it actually reflects.   Not in condemnation but for correction.   Faith is not about earning a life with Jesus but rather it is about demonstrating that you have a life with Jesus.  Golf is about advancing the ball and getting it into the hole  in the most efficient way (least amount of strokes).  There are no points given for style or even the journey you took to get the ball into the hole.  Keeping the ball on the fairway is the best way to give you a chance to advance the ball with the desired efficiency.  Faith is that way.  It is the most efficient way to advance in life as a journey with Him, Jesus.  The best way to keep your faith in the “fairway” is to stay close to Him.   A faith in the fairway through a good “flight of the ball” is a demonstration and commitment to a faith filled life.  It is not about being perfect but placing our faith in the one who is perfect, Jesus.  Father, thank you for giving me the gift of faith and guide and instruct me “swing the club” well.