In 1945,
professional golfer Byron Nelson had an unimaginable season. Of the 30
tournaments he entered, he won an amazing 18 times—including 11 in a row. Had
he chosen to, he could have continued his career and perhaps become the
greatest of all time. But that was not his goal. His goal was to earn enough
money playing golf to buy a ranch and spend his life doing what he really
loved. So, instead of continuing on at the peak of his career, Nelson retired
at age 34 to become a rancher. He had different goals.
The world
may find that kind of thinking to be foolish. It doesn’t really understand the
heart that looks beyond trying to gain more wealth or fame to real satisfaction
and contentment. This is especially true when it comes to our choice to live
for Christ. But it is in the world’s perception of our alleged foolishness that
we might best represent the Master’s different goals to this world. Paul wrote,
“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise,
and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things
which are mighty” (1 Cor. 1:27).
A
commitment to living according to kingdom values might brand us as foolish in
the eyes of the world, but it can bring honor to our God.
Core
values are of no value unless they reflect God’s values. (RBC)
