Romans 7:15-20

“I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” vs. 15

It’s not likely that the Apostle Paul played golf, yet his description of his own actions sounds very much like the lament of an addicted golfer. It’s probably one of the most frustrating sports ever invented, precisely because it mirrors the human experience. Even though we know exactly how life should be lived, we are incapable of actually pulling it off.

Now it’s possible to laugh off our experiences on the golf course. It is after all only a game. But it’s harder to live with our daily failures to live as we ought. We’re forever saying what should not be said, being silent when we should speak, eating and drinking things that are bad for our body, and looking out for ourselves when we should be looking out for others. 

That’s the sort of thing that happens when we aim for perfection in our lives–it just doesn’t work! We’ll never pull it off this side of the grave. Wise golfers have figured this out. They stop playing the game of perfect and take whatever they’re given. And as they relax in their attempts to hit the ball, all kinds of good things begin to happen. 

So it is with life in Christ! We’re not called to be perfect. And as we learn to relax in our walk, by the grace of God we discover the pure joy of simply living!

Thought for the Day: How relaxed is my walk with Jesus?