What is Important?

Joshua 24:15 (New International Version)

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Have you ever heard of Hank Greenberg? The year was 1934. For the first time in 25 years, the Detroit Tigers were a strong team who had an excellent chance to play in baseball's prestigious World Series. Hank was a key player on a team that had come to rely on his superb skills at first base, and his strong batting, to win games. An important and decisive game was scheduled on Yom Kippur. Hank, the son of Romanian immigrants to the United States, announced that he would not don his uniform and play on this day, one of the most sacred of He­brew fasts.

The city of Detroit was outraged. Citizens screamed that the Day of Atonement could be cele­brated any year, but this year the Tigers may go all the way to the Series! Anti-Semitic remarks were viciously hurled, but Hank Greenberg remained resolute.

The Detroit Tigers indeed lost that day, al­though the team did secure the pennant that year. And Hank, when more rational minds prevailed, at­tained the respect of the community. In fact, a poem was written and published honoring the man who held steadfastly to his beliefs. The tribute ended with this verse:

Came Yom Kippur - Holy fast day world-wide over to the Jews, And Hank Greenberg to his teaching and the old tradition true Spent the day among his people and he didn't come to play.

Said Murphy to Mulrooney, "We shall lose the game today! We shall miss him in the infield and shall miss him at the bat, But he's true to his religion - and I honor him for that!"

Hank still teaches us an important lesson in how to live effectively. He decided what was im­por­tant to him and, regardless of pressure applied, he honored his own values. Hank Greenberg -- not the team, nor the coaches, nor even emotional De­troit fans -- set his agenda. What he did required tremendous courage. He let nobody lower stand­ards he had chosen for himself. And though the team lost that day, the city of Detroit won be­cause it gained an important role model in a young man who courageously followed an inner voice.

Choosing our own way may not always be easy. But effective living occurs once we decide how we will live our lives and, regardless of outside pressure, we honor that decision.

Are you struggling with a difficult decision today, what is your inner voice leading you to do? Perhaps that is the voice that should be honored.

Dear Lord we pray that we would always take the time to listen your voice. We pray that we would be strong and that we would do what we know is right. In Jesus’ name, Amen.