Pursuing a Perfect Round
by Pastor Max McGinnis, Northgate FMC (Batavia, NY)

Recently I read a column by H. B London, Jr., about Phil Mickelson winning the Masters. For those not prone to be found on fairways, the Masters is one of the four "major" Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour events.

In that column, London talked about how Mickelson had sought for years to win his first major. He was 0-42 in these contests, despite having won 22 non-major tour events. But every time Mickelson entered a major, he faltered and failed. Thankfully, for all who have been pulling for "Lefty," he finally put a back nine together that gave him the victory. He drove the ball long and straight, his short game was precise and his putting consistent.

Thankfully, we don't have to feel the pressure to put together a perfect round in life to win the prize. If this were so, we would have thrown our clubs in the pond a long time ago! Christ achieved the perfect round for us — through His life, death and resurrection.

As Jesus' followers, we are called to trust His leading and His game more than our own. As we stay focused on Him and consistently look to walk in His ways, we can have assurance that a prize awaits us at the end of the day.

In faith we follow our Savior over the course of life. He will lead us to the end — and to the point when we will hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21)