The MulliganSample

The Perfect Caddy

Playing the course less played—the one created for the Son and his friends—is going to be an exciting adventure. And as someone introduced to the Son, you’re looking forward to spending time with him. But when you arrive at the first tee, you realize he’s not just there to play. He is standing there like a caddy, ready to help you navigate your round with his wisdom and advice. This expert on the course, who knows its every nuance and detail, is going to coach you every step of the way.

That’s what Jesus does in our lives, or rather what his Spirit does, as we submit to him and listen. He is waiting on the first tee, ready to grab our bag and guide us. His course is now our course to enjoy. We have to stick the tee in the ground and make all the shots—he isn’t going to take over and do it for us—but he will walk with us and be there for every one of them. Is available to talk it over and help us strategize.

Golf was originally meant to be played by a two-person team. A caddy knew his course and all his player’s strengths, weaknesses, and distances. He would show the player where to aim, and the player had to trust him completely. A victory was credited to the team. The game was not meant to be played alone.

Life isn’t meant to be lived alone either, and the perfect Caddy stands ready to guide you if you will trust him. You’ll need to learn how to listen and you’ll need to commit to following his advice. But whenever he is a member of a team, the result is always amazing.

1. Some players listen to their caddy more than others. In The Mulligan, Paul McAllister thought he knew better than his caddy at the pro-am, even though he had never played the course before. Where do you think you fall on that spectrum—in golf and in life? Do you take advice well or tend to do things your own way? What are some examples of your approach?
2. This week’s verse promises guidance from God. How do you feel about the idea of hearing Jesus give you instructions throughout your day? Do you welcome that opportunity? Wonder if it’s possible? Think you might want to manage some things on your own? In what ways would this be a new experience for you?
3. Henri Nouwen said, “We are not alone on our journey. The God of love who gave us life sent us [his] only Son to be with us at all times and in all places so we never have to feel lost in our struggles but always can trust that God walks with us.”

It’s one thing to believe that Jesus walks with us in principle, another to be aware of his presence throughout our days. What can we do to move our hearts and minds from the idea to the experience? Why does that make a difference?