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I’m not sure what I would’ve done.
Could I have done what AJ Griffin recently decided to do?
I believe that I could have (maybe?) made that decision to step away from a dream of playing professional basketball at the highest level and earning fame, fortune, and everything else. But really, could I have?!
I mean, what is a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?
Tricky, tricky, personal conviction!
"I gave up basketball to follow Jesus, and I know that in many people's eyes, it seems like a loss in the world's eyes... I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the lord with all my heart... I thought that [basketball] was the reason why I was living, but when I came to God, he truly showed me that we're all made to glorify God. We're all made with a purpose, a God-given purpose."- AJ Griffin - via YouTube
Whether you’re a believer or not in a spiritual higher power, we all believe our morals and faith (whatever it is) would allow us to make such self-ethical decisions. Give up professional basketball and millions? Easssssssssy!
As a believer, this story stayed with me for a week. I really admire AJ Griffin in his calling to the Lord. There’s no doubt in my mind that he wrestled a lot in his decision to ensure it was his calling. I also believe what he has decided to do is authentic and takes a lot of obedience and faith. It's a great test of his walk and faith in the Lord.
In a continuously growing culture that has eroded faith (all kinds, really) from the fabric of its overall beat, and now values high emphasis on self, Griffin’s decision counters so much of what is “normal” in this world.
Roman’s 12:2 is my favorite verse. It always has been since I was a teenager.
Griffin is Romans 12:2. And his recent decision is incredibly inspiring and a reminder that it’s not just a reason for your way of life being different, but that it also takes courage - and a great sense of faith - to live it.