Visualization

A part of the mental game of golf is to visualize a shot prior to striking the ball. A mental picture of the perfect shot does not guarantee a perfect shot, but it does help the golfer focus on the aspects of the shot that are needed to hit the best possible shot.

A part of the mental game of life should be to visualize holiness and resistance to sin prior to being in a situation that may become sinful. Likewise, the visualization of sinful behavior should be avoided. Daydreams and fantasies are often visualizations of sinful behavior. It is more difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to live a holy life when our thoughts are pursuing a sinful life.

The sins of envy and lust are primarily sins that originate in the mind prior to corroding the heart. Instead of visualizing a newer car, a bigger house, or a more attractive spouse, the visualization of the same car, the same house, and the same spouse well into the future will increase holiness and contentment and decrease envy and lust.

The sins of gluttony, sloth, and wrath, are sins of discipline. Instead of visualizing a feast, a vacation, or revenge, the visualization of a simple meal, a repetitive task, and an expression of forgiveness will increase holiness and contentment and decrease gluttony, slothfulness, and wrath.

The sins of pride and greed are sins of selfishness. Instead of visualizing success and wealth, the visualization of sacrifice will increase holiness and contentment and decrease pride and greed.