No, Tiger Woods did not play in the Masters major golf event this year. And he won’t likely be playing in any major tournaments in 2026. He’s reportedly in rehab to figure out how to get his personal life back in order.

In March, Tiger was arrested after having too much drugs in his tank. Again. He had another crazy car incident. His third (or fourth) but not his most serious.

A 2009 crash into a fire hydrant, a tree, and hedges also yielded admissions of serial infidelity. That cost him his seven-year marriage and a number of sponsorship deals.

Later in February of 2021, Tiger was speeding along on a winding road near L.A. at more than 80 mph. He almost died in a crash of his new Genesis SUV. It resulted in several major surgeries. And his inability to effectively play pro golf. He doesn’t need to work. He’s worth millions.

Also this year, one of the NFL’s top wide receivers — Puka Nacua —checked himself into rehab. This followed allegations he bit a woman while drunk on New Year’s Eve. Puka has big bucks. He’s doing his time at a luxury treatment center in Malibu. Once fixed, the Rams wideout could become the highest paid receiver in the NFL.

I draw your attention to these two high profile men who are struggling with what is known as “human flourishing.” Perhaps you’ve heard that term. It’s quite the subject at several schools of higher education. In fact, Harvard University offers The Human Flourishing Program through the school’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science.

A similar program is available at Baylor through their Institute for Global Human Flourishing.

These efforts to educate us on how to function better as human beings are based around five central measurable domains: happiness and life satisfaction, physical and mental health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and close social relationships. The Harvard folk tell us that:

“Each of these is nearly universally desired, and each constitutes an end in and of itself.”

As you consider the life situations of the two famous athletes noted above, is it too much to ask how they measure up on human flourishing? In fairness, every day in the news we hear and see stories of the masses of humanity that are off track as well!

Earler this year, our church congregations were blessed to hear a sermon series based loosely on this topic of Human Flourishing. The pastor selected a particular book of Scripture to illustrate how all five “domains” are addressed within the pages of Ecclesiastes.

Consider for yourself the questions raised in each domain:

Domain 1: Happiness and Life Satisfaction. Overall, how satisfied are you with life as a whole these days? In general, how happy or unhappy do you usually feel?

Domain 2: Mental and Physical Health. How would you rate your overall mental and physical health?

Domain 3: Meaning and Purpose.  To what extent do you feel the things you do in your life are worthwhile? And…do you understand your purpose in life?

Domain 4: Character and Virtue. (T or F) “I always act to promote good in all circumstances, even in difficult and challenging situations.” And “I am always able to give up some happiness now for greater happiness later.”
Domain 5: Close Social Relationships. “I am content with my friendships and relationships.” And…”My relationships are as satisfying as I would want them to be.”

A sixth domain has been added to the program.

Domain 6: Financial and Material Stability. How often do you worry about being able to meet normal monthly living expenses?

A close read of the book of Ecclesiastes will show that the Preacher (Solomon) struggled to get positive answers in his life in each of these areas. So you are not alone.

As for “Meaning and Purpose” note how Ecclesiastes opens:

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.

“Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1, NIV)

And after sharing his joys, his woes, and what his takeaways of life amount to, Solomon ends with this:

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV)

A life lesson for Tiger. For Puka. For all of us.

Let Solomon help you flourish!