Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.

• Philippians 3:7-8

I’ve flown around the world in a plane
I’ve settled revolutions in Spain
The North Pole I have charted
But can’t get started with you

Around the golf course I’m under par
And all the movies want me to star
I’ve got a house, a show place
But I get no place with you

You’re so supreme, lyrics I write of you
Scheme, just for a sight of you
Dream, both day and night of you
And what good does it do?

In 1929 I sold short
In England I’m presented at court
But you’ve got me downhearted
‘Cause I can’t get started with you

You’re so supreme, lyrics I write of you
Scheme, just for a sight of you
Dream, both day and night of you
And what good does it do?

In 1929 I sold short
In England I’m presented at court
But you’ve got me downhearted
‘Cause I can’t get started with you

• Ira Gershwin, I Can’t Get Started

This song debuted in 1936 in the movie Ziegfeld Follies of 1936.  Ira Gershwin picked up a tune that had not been used for its purpose and wrote new words for it.  The song first performed by Bob Hope and Eve Arden.  The song was recorded by a few people, but it never seemed to catch on until Bunny Berigan and his band recorded it in 1937.  Suddenly, 10-15 bands and/or singers wanted to record it every year for about ten to twelve years, according to Ira Gershwin.

When I heard the first line, I said, “Oh, I’ve done that.”  Being perfectly honest, that’s the only thing that I have done out of the lyrics.  Sure, I have made birdies, but I only shot in the low seventies one time.  I think two over par.  Next best was a 78 on a par 66 course.  Picture the Black Forest in the mountains over Baden Baden, Germany.  I think they claim that their course is a par 68, but applying USGA rules of that time…

But in looking at the Scriptures, will any of our grand accomplishments in life be remembered when we are in Heaven with Jesus?

Getting back to playing golf, I heard a comedian talk about playing golf in Heaven.  I cannot remember the monologue, but this is the gist of it.  “Jesus let me tee off first.  You know, He’s like that.  I hit a long drive on a par-4, longer than I have ever hit a golf ball.  I am on the green with a one-foot putt remaining, a tap in for an eagle.  I had never made an eagle in my life.  Then Jesus gives a smooth swing at the ball… Hole in one.  The next hole is a par five.  I hit the ball over a lake.  I only had a short pitch to the green.  I would be putting for eagle a second time.  This was the best start of a round of golf that I ever had.  Jesus teed up His ball.  He did not even take a full swing. … Hole in one.  … No folks, I doubt if I will be playing golf in Heaven.”

What the comedian did not think of is that we will not have that sin nature that wants us to beat the competition, and playing golf with Jesus would be so cool, we would not care what the score was.

Then again, if we do not care what the score was, would we play the game in the first place?

One thing is for sure, Jesus accepts us as we are.  We are cleaned up.  But that comes after He has accepted us.

There is no “not getting started.”

We do not have to do anything spectacular.  In fact our best efforts fall miserably short.

So, there is no reason to brag about any accomplishment.

There is no comparison between us and someone else.  Read the parable of the talents.  We are judged versus our capabilities.  To him who much is given much is expected.  But all that judging comes after salvation.  No works will save us.

And to those who try to get there on their good works, and there are many, this song might be their anthem.

Here is I Can’t Get Started sung by Ella Fitzgerald.

And here is Bunny Berigan’s recording.

Thank you, Lord.  You paid the price for my salvation.  I could never string accomplishments together that would matter.  I did not have to “get started.”  You loved me while I was a sinner.

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.