We are just over half way through our study of the book “Golf’s Sacred Journey” that we started back in January. So far we have looked at themes such as
- Identity
- Risk
- Conviction
- Creativity
- Truth vs. Tradition
I was struck by the contrast between conviction and tradition, in the sense that people often latch on to traditions as a way of going through the motions and in the process, they can cover up truth in their lives. It could be argued that tradition is in opposition to conviction, since tradition requires no real thought process or ability to articulate why we do the things we do. Conviction demands that we stand behind our beliefs in such a way that even if others don’t necessarily agree with us, at least they can respect the sincerity of what we believe. I have heard it said that what is conviction to one generation becomes tradition to the following generation, and to subsequent generations becomes legalism. Perhaps what is needed is for those with conviction to be able to pass on the ideals that they are striving for and by doing so help other to apply those principles to their situations.
When Jesus went into the wilderness to fast and pray following his baptism, I’m sure he felt a strong conviction that he needed to do that to prepare himself for what was ahead of him in his ministry. Some religious traditions commemorate this during the season of Lent by observing a fast from certain types of food or indulgence in other diversions. I suppose that the extent to which it holds meaning is dependent on each person’s level of commitment.
The golfer in the story is still on his way to finding what it is that he is searching for. In many ways, at this point he isn’t even fully aware of what it is that he needs. Like many of us, he is looking to find that thing that will turn things around and get him on the path to success. He is about to find out that true success in life comes from identifying what it is that he was put here to do, and being willing to devote himself to that purpose.
Can you think of traditions that you have observed for a significant portion of your life that have become so familiar that they can actually interfere with your understanding of the meaning behind them? Do these traditions become a hindrance to understanding or appreciation of what they signify? To what extent are you open to question your traditions in an effort to find truth? What is the foundation of your convictions? Please add your comments below.