"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."

Penny Heyns

Ryder Cup spirituality

Jesus said “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”. Matthew 28:20

The Ryder Cup (golf Europe v USA) was just the most amazing sports event that most people can remember. Europe snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, against the odds, made it especially captivating. That the European team was honouring the late Seve Ballesteros, a Ryder Cup legend, added poignancy to the occasion. The reference to him on the uniform was a nice and fitting gesture.

While I was comfortable with the concept of Europe being inspired by Seve or dedicating the victor to him, I draw the line there. The references to Seve looking down from above and the idea that Seve’s spirit somehow empowered the win bothered me.

I find it fascinating that in post-modern Europe where people have largely rejected traditional, historical Christianity, they still yearn for a kind of spiritually, some sort of folk-religion. They deal with the uncomfortable question of death by believing that they are in some mystical way united spiritually with the departed.

As Christians we believe that Jesus Christ conquered death – that last enemy – and that he is the only one who could and did promise to be with us forever. As the writer to the Hebrews says, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). If we put out faith in Jesus, we are resting on a firm foundation and we can have confidence that he will take us through victories and defeats on earth and then through death to be with him forever more.

PS Thanks to Neil Urquhart, whose blog this week helped shape my thinking.

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