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)
