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)
