Executing Properly a Handful of Fundamental Movements

When some people approach a task or an activity, whether carrying out a work assignment or planting a flower garden, they find themselves wanting to do everything just right, seeking to dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’ perfectly. Their high standards and lofty intentions must be exhausting. On the other hand, there are those who prefer to do their work with half-hearted, just-enough-to-get-by efforts. They’re never going to win awards for their work ethic.

 

What about a “middle ground” – pursuing excellence, but not expecting to always squeeze perfection out of an imperfect human being? Recently in one of his radio messages, Alistair Begg mentioned a very insightful quote from legendary golfer Ben Hogan in his book, Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf.

Hogan played professional golf from the 1930s through the mid-1950s, winning nine major tournament championships, 64 PGA victories in all, and gaining renown for his ball-striking ability. But this hall of famer didn’t achieve all that with natural ability alone.

 

As the golf icon wrote in his book, “In 1946, my attitude suddenly changed. I would guess what lay behind my new confidence was this: I had stopped trying to do a great many things perfectly because it had become clear in my mind that this ambitious over-thoroughness was neither possible [or] advisable, [nor] even necessary. All that is really required to play good golf is to execute properly a relatively small number of true fundamental movements.” 

 

If golf is your passion, this might give you extra motivation. But even if it isn’t your thing – and it’s not mine either – the point Hogan made can apply to practically any area of life. 

 

As he wisely observed, the perpetual quest for perfection isn’t possible; it’s also inadvisable and unnecessary. There’s only one Person who was perfect in everything He did on earth, and we’re not Him. That makes Hogan’s main point all the more meaningful.

 

What do you spend a lot of time doing that you could improve upon, and even master, if you were to “execute properly a relatively small number of true fundamental movements”? Many of us tend to overcomplicate things, when proper execution of basic fundamentals is really all we need.

 

Let me offer a personal example. As I’ve mentioned before, after a lapse of many years, I decided to resume taking drum lessons. However, watching videos of accomplished drummers, I’ve been tempted to throw my sticks in the trash and forsake this hobby forever. I don’t anticipate having another 30-40 years to refine my skills. But the fact is, I can still enjoy playing drums as long as I learn how to properly execute a relatively small number of true fundamental movements – basic “grooves” and “fills” that can make even average drummers look good.

 

Before you stop reading, saying, “I care not one whit about drumming!”, let’s shift the focus to a much more important endeavor – the pursuit of spiritual growth.

 

If you’re a sincere follower of Jesus Christ, the thought might cross your mind occasionally, “I wish I were a spiritual giant, someone with a broad understanding and knowledge of the Bible who’s able to teach others how to grow. But I can’t compare with people I admire.” We’ve probably all been there at one time or another. 

 

But like golf and other worthwhile pursuits, spiritual growth also has a relatively small number of true fundamental movements. We just need to learn how to execute them properly. Let me offer some relatively simple suggestions:

 

Time in the Scriptures. Psalm 119:9-11 asks and answers an important question: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word…. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Learning and embracing biblical truth doesn’t come through osmosis. It requires intentional time reading the Bible, not just for information but for revelation, expecting God to speak to us through it.

 

Diligence in prayer. One of the shortest, yet most profound, verses in the Bible is 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing” – or if that’s too long for you, how about the NIV translation, “Pray continually.” Prayer, along with reading God’s Word, is how we communicate with the Lord – and how He communicates with us. We don’t need to be in a special place or pray only at a particular time. We can – and should – do it all the time, wherever we are.

 

Meeting with other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 is a powerful reminder that being a faithful, fruitful follower of Jesus Christ doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s best accomplished as we interact with and receive encouragement from other believers. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” And what is that “Day”? The day of Christ’s return, which could be any moment.

 

Investing God’s blessings in others. When we think of giving, money is usually the first thing that comes to mind. The work of God needs financial support, and He uses His people as conduits for providing it. But we can also give of our time, as well as our talents and abilities. And we should do so joyfully. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

 

You can probably think of some other “true fundamental movements” for growing in our walk with Jesus, but I think these would get anyone off to a good start.