James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. 

Whenever someone learns to play golf, they initially hit every shot from off of a tee. After advancing from this “beginner phase”, golfers are only permitted to “tee it up” when in the tee box. The ball is much easier to hit when it’s a tad elevated. Plus, there are no obstructions and the tee makes the ball easier to get off the ground into the air. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, He sets us up on a tee. However, we are not there to be judgmental or above anyone in earthly status. Just like the golf ball on a tee, He sets us up there because it’s easier to see the obstructions from below and we are easier to “elevate.” We are set apart from “the rough.” Christ desires to elevate our lives to heights unknown. He protects His own and His spirit allows us to discern the “fairway from rough.” When we follow His guidance and have a true desire to be elevated, His path is one that desires honor and sanctification. Even though we are “on a tee”, we must humble ourselves when we approach Christ. In 1 Peter 5:6, we are again reminded of the need to be humble until the proper time when Christ will exalt us. We are nothing more than sinners saved by grace. But for His grace and mercy, we would be nothing more than the stray ball in the rough of high grass – lost and going no where. However, when the blood of Jesus is applied to our lives, we are clothed by His righteousness. We are adorned with His grace and given a new name. He is close to us because His spirit abides within us. One day will be eternally elevated as we will be introduced into His kingdom of glory. This hope and promise gives us a witness and reason for “elevation worship”!