Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas

Sermon Illustrations

ANGER ON THE GOLF COURSE

There were times when golf course etiquette was completely traded in for the ever popular "lose control and act like a madman" routine. There's something intriguing about watching a full grown man crumble to pieces over a tiny ball that's 1½ inches in diameter. I've seen guys thrown their club farther than they hit their ball out of sheer frustration and anger. I've seen them break their club over their knee. I've even seen people get so angry that they thrown their golf bag (clubs and all) into the nearest water hazard they can find.

This reminds me of a story of a group of golfers watching a fellow who was having some difficulty on this particular course. The frustration became too much by the 13th hole as this poor guy placed shot after shot into the pond that lay between him and the green that, finally in exasperation, he picked up his golf bag, spun around like a discus thrower, heaved the whole thing into the middle of the lake, and stormed off the course, apparently forever.

Moments later, however, he returned, and in complete embarrassment waded into the pond. He had 'come to his senses.' He fished out the dripping bag, unzipped a pocket on the side, took out his car keys, and flung the bag once again, this time even further than before. Then he went home.

Anger can make us do some of them most stupid things.

[Michael Hodgin, 1001 Humorous Illustrations for Public Speaking (Zondervan: Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1992, 1994), 167-168. From a sermon by Eric Lenhart, Monday -- "Jesus Clears the Temple" 8/13/2010]

Related Sermon Illustrations

  • What Is Sin?  PRO

    Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 4, 2003
    based on 5 ratings
     | 8,398 views

    What is Sin? · Man calls it an accident; God calls it an abomination. · Man calls it a blunder; God calls it blindness. · Man calls it a defect; God calls it a disease. · Man calls it a chance; God calls it a choice. · Man calls it an error; God calls it an enmity. · Man calls it a ...read more

  • The Rock

    Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 7,085 views

    The Rock A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his ...read more

  • Marine Corps Boot Camp Lasted 18 Weeks When I ...  PRO

    Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 4, 2003
    based on 3 ratings
     | 6,564 views

    Marine Corps Boot camp lasted 18 weeks when I was in the Corps. During those 18 week, we were never, ever called Marines. The very last week of Boot Camp was so exciting because we new we were going to graduate. Then our Drill Instructors handed us a patch to iron on our camouflaged uniform. The ...read more

  • The Movie Rudy  PRO

    Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Oct 20, 2004
    based on 3 ratings
     | 4,157 views

    Video Illustration: The Movie Rudy The Movie: Based on the true story of Rudy Ruettiger, this film is about friendship, courage, and sacrifice. Rudy (Sean Austin) grew up in a small steel town with the dream of someday playing football for Notre Dame. Despite many obstacles, he refused to give ...read more

  • Did You Know There's A Company Called "The Alibi ...  PRO

    Contributed by Timothy Smith on Sep 8, 2002
    based on 7 ratings
     | 3,210 views

    Did you know there’s a company called “The Alibi Agency.” This London based agency’s slogan is: “We serve those who stray.” Here’s what’s on their web site: “With the pressures of modern life many of us have occasion to stray from our long term partners & dally with a brief sexual relationship with ...read more

Related Sermons