The Cost of Misplaced Priorities

 

Soon King Ben-hadad’s messengers returned again to Ahab and said, “This is what King Ben-hadad says: “I have already demanded that you give me your silver, gold, wives, and children. But about this time tomorrow I will send my officials to search your palace and the homes of your officials. They will take away everything you consider valuable!”

1 Kings 20:5-6


 

THE COST OF MISPLACED PRIORITIES

 

Many years ago, a well-known college head football coach divorced his wife of 26 years after leaving the collegiate coaching ranks to become a head coach in the NFL. When coaching at the collegiate level, he maintained the appearance of a marriage because it was expected for special events and social occasions. However, the day he was named an NFL head coach, he set out to rid himself of this necessary appearance. He later confessed that he rarely celebrated birthdays or Christmas with his children because he simply didn’t have the time. His only goal was to win a world championship—and nothing and no one was going to get in the way. Sadly, the misplaced priorities of this coach carried a heavy price.

In a similar way, King Ahab’s response to Ben-hadad’s demands reveals a tragic truth: he was willing to surrender his silver, gold, wives, and children without a fight, but he drew the line at “everything (he) considered valuable.” This raises an important question: What did Ahab truly treasure? What was so important to him that it was worth resisting, while his own family was easily given up?

This passage challenges us to examine our own priorities. Like Ahab, we can sometimes be blind to what truly matters. We may strive for success, wealth, position, power, title, recognition, or comfort—but at what cost? If we neglect our family, faith, and the people God has entrusted to our care in pursuit of worldly gains, then sadly, we are making the same mistake as King Ahab.

Misplaced priorities can have devastating consequences. When work, entertainment, or personal ambitions become more important than investing in the relationships God has entrusted to us, we risk losing what is most precious—our loved ones. Children grow up without parental guidance, marriages suffer from neglect, our influence becomes meaningless, and our spiritual lives grow dry and distant from God. The things we think are important may ultimately be worthless if they come at the expense of our family and faith.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:21:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

If our hearts are fixed on the wrong priorities, we will sacrifice what is truly valuable without even realizing it. However, if we seek God first, He will help us realign our misplaced priorities.

Listen Closely: Take a moment to evaluate your life. Are there areas where your priorities have shifted away from God and your family? When you’re at home, are you really at home? What changes can you make to ensure you are treasuring what truly matters? Learn from King Ahab’s mistake and guard against anything that would cause you to trade your loved ones for possessions, titles, positions, power, or relationships that will never bring lasting satisfaction.

Realign misplaced priorities.

Be Worth Being.

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Kevin

 


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 44 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

The Making of a Dead Leader Running

 

Moses said to the Lord, “Why are You treating me, your servant, so harshly? Have mercy on me! What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people? I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how You intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!  

Numbers 11:11, 14-15


 

THE MAKING OF A DEAD LEADER RUNNING

 

Leadership is not for the faint of heart. Whether you’re leading an organization, a nation, a church, a company, a program, a team, a staff, a department, or even your family—the journey is often marked by burdens that seem impossible to bear.
Don’t believe me? Ask Moses!

Moses, the great leader of Israel, experienced this firsthand. After delivering God’s people from slavery, he found himself surrounded by constant complaining, grumbling, resistance to change, and ungratefulness. Despite leading with a heart aligned with God’s, Moses was worn down and worn out by the sheer weight of it all. His honesty before God shows the exhaustion of a leader who feels like they are running on empty. The reality is that Moses was a “Dead Leader Running.”

The people Moses led were not short on complaints. They whined about their food, lamented their past, and resisted the very freedom they had begged God for. Sound familiar? People often resist change, even when it’s for their good. A leader’s vision can be precise and clear, but followers can be reluctant to embrace it. The leader becomes the target of frustration and blame, leaving them questioning their own calling to their role or position.

For leaders, this resistance can lead to burnout. You pour your heart into your work, serving those you lead and striving to honor God, only to face criticism and complaints. It’s easy to feel like Moses, crying out to God and asking, “Why me?”

Jesus Himself set the ultimate example of leadership. Though He bore the greatest burden—our sin—He consistently retreated to seek the will and strength of His Father. As leaders, we must learn from Him. The weight is too heavy to carry alone.

Listen closely: If you’re a leader feeling frustrated or burned out, remember: you are not alone. God hears your cries, just as He heard Moses’ cries. In response to Moses, God provided seventy elders to share the burden (Numbers 11:16–17). God doesn’t intend for you to shoulder the load by yourself. Lean on Him and ask Him to provide people to help and support you.

If you feel like a “Dead Leader Running,” consider the following action steps:

  • Be honest with God: Like Moses, pour out your frustrations to God. He is big enough to handle your honesty, and He’s waiting to hear from you.
  • Seek God’s strength: Remember that your strength is not enough, but God’s grace is sufficient. Lean into His strength. Stop trying to carry the load alone.
  • Delegate wisely: You were never meant to lead alone. Don’t try to be the hero. Delegate and rely on trusted, developing leaders.
  • Take time to rest: Take time to rest and renew your soul. Even Jesus got away to pray, recharge, and rest from the grind of leadership.

Leadership is a sacred calling, but it comes with challenges that can wear you down. If you’re facing resistance, burnout, or overwhelming burdens, don’t give up! God has called you, He is equipping you, and He will sustain you. But you must trust Him to provide the strength, wisdom, courage, and support you need to lead well—and to finish the race well.

Don’t be a “Dead Leader Running.”

Be Worth Being.

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Kevin

 


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 44 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Hope Beyond the Locusts

 

The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts.

Joel 2:25


 

HOPE BEYOND THE LOCUSTS

 

One of the greatest Major League hitters set the record for strikeouts with 1,330. The same player set a record for five consecutive strikeouts in a World Series game. The holder of both records was the great “Sultan of Swat,” Babe Ruth. Babe famously said, “Every strikeout brings me closer to the next home run. So never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

And so it is in life. There are moments when we feel like we’ve completely blown it. Ever been there? I have. We strike out over and over again. We choose to sin, make poor decisions, and find ourselves in situations where the consequences of our actions leave us broken and ashamed, feeling worthless or hopeless. Then we wonder if we can ever recover from the damage we’ve caused—if God can ever forgive us or if there’s any chance of being restored and used by Him again.

However, the beautiful truth of the gospel is this: no matter how far we’ve fallen or how badly we’ve failed, God is still the God of restoration. Joel 2:25 is a powerful reminder. God promises:

“I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts.”

Did you catch that? Don’t miss it! The people of Israel had experienced devastating loss because of their rebellion and sin. However, when they repented and turned back to God, He promised to restore all that had been destroyed.

In the same way, when we come to Jesus in repentance, we are not met with condemnation (Romans 8:1) but with mercy. Repentance is not just “feeling bad” or remorseful for what we’ve done; it’s doing an about-face. It’s turning away from our sin and turning back to God. It’s seeing our sin the way God sees it. And the moment we do, God doesn’t just forgive us—He restores us. Just like the Israelites, who lost everything to the locusts, God promises to rebuild the areas of our lives that have been wrecked or shattered by sin and disobedience.

Listen closely: restoration may not always look like a quick or immediate fix. It usually isn’t. It will take time for trust to be rebuilt, for wounds to heal, or for relationships to be mended. However, God, in His mercy and grace, will bring healing to every broken area of your life. He will redeem your mistakes, using the worst failures of your life as part of His greater plan (Romans 8:28). He is writing your story. He will take your “mess” and turn it into your greatest “message.”

If you feel like you’ve blown it—if you feel there is no hope—if your life has been impacted by your failures, disobedience, and poor choices, take heart! God is in the business of turning brokenness into beauty. He offers forgiveness, hope, and healing when you come to Him with a humble, broken, and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).

Listen, there is nothing you’ve done or ever will do that can put you beyond the reach of the amazing love and grace God has for you. Confess your failures. Repent by turning away from your sin and walking back to God. Then watch!

Watch as God “gives you back what the swarming locusts have eaten.”

 

Be Worth Being.

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Kevin

 


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 44 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Vision for the New Year

 

Commit your action steps to the Lord, and He will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:3


 

VISION FOR THE NEW YEAR

 

It started like so many evenings: Mom and Dad at home, and their son Jimmy playing outside after dinner. Each parent was absorbed in their tasks and didn’t notice the time slipping by. Jimmy’s mom glanced at the clock.

“Jimmy, it’s time to come in and get ready for bed.”

Jimmy went straight to his room. An hour or so later, Jimmy’s mother walked upstairs to check on him. To her astonishment, she found her son staring quietly out of his window at the moonlit scenery.

“What are you doing, Jimmy?”

“I’m looking at the moon, Mom.”

“Well, it’s time to go to sleep now.”

As Jimmy settled down, he said, “Mom, you know, one day I’m going to walk on that moon.”

Who could have known that the boy in whom the dream was planted that night would survive a near-fatal motorcycle crash that broke nearly every bone in his body? Yet, 32 years later, Jimmy Irwin brought that dream to fruition when he stepped onto the moon’s surface, one of just 12 representatives of the human race to have done so. Jimmy Irwin didn’t just have “eyesight”; he had “vision.”


The New Year has arrived. In reality, we often look back on the year behind us. Reflecting on the past is important; however, it is equally vital to look forward with vision, not just eyesight. Eyesight is the ability to see what is, but vision is the ability to see what could be through God’s purpose for your life.

Without vision, our lives can feel aimless, and our efforts futile. Vision brings clarity, direction, and a sense of purpose that empowers us to live intentionally. This New Year, let us not only walk into 2025 with open eyes but also with a clear vision inspired by God.

As you plan and prepare for 2025, carve out time to develop goals and action steps in key areas of your life:

  1. Spiritual: Deepen your relationship with God. Set goals to spend more time in prayer, study His Word, and seek His guidance. Perhaps commit to reading through the Bible in 2025, journaling your prayers daily, or joining a weekly discipleship group.

  2. Relational: Invest in the relationships God has given you. Reconcile broken ones, nurture your family, and foster friendships that encourage spiritual growth and accountability. Set a goal to regularly connect with loved ones or serve in your community.

  3. Physical: Honor God with your body. Set attainable health goals, such as eating more balanced meals, exercising or walking regularly, and prioritizing rest. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Don’t abuse it (1 Corinthians 6:19).

  4. Financial: Be a faithful steward of your resources. Develop a budget (save some, spend some, give some), work toward becoming debt-free, increase your giving to your church, and bless those who are in need. Trust God to provide what you need as you commit your finances to Him.

  5. Occupational: Pursue excellence in your work. Whether you’re working in a corporate career, coaching, pro scouting, raising a family, or serving in ministry, ask God to help you align your efforts with His plan to glorify Him in all you do.


Listen Closely: Once your goals and action steps are written down for 2025, bring them before God in prayer. Ask for His wisdom to guide you, His strength to sustain you, and His blessings to multiply your efforts. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your action steps to the Lord, and He will establish your plans.”

Let your vision be rooted in His will and not merely in your desires. Surrender each goal, knowing that His plans are always better than your own. Trust that He will lead you into the abundant life He has promised (John 10:10).

This New Year, I challenge you to step boldly into your God-given vision with Jesus as your guide. Because having “eyesight” without “vision” is futile.

Blessings in 2025!

 

Be Worth Being.

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Kevin

 


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Jesus and the Killjoys

 

“You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made rules as commands from God.”  

Matthew 15:7-9


 

JESUS AND THE KILLJOYS

 

Have you ever been excited about attending or hosting a party, eagerly looking forward to it? What if the party didn’t turn out as expected? Maybe the “party poopers” in attendance ruined the entire atmosphere. In a similar way, this is the picture we see when we look at Jesus and the “killjoy” Pharisees.

In Matthew 15:7–9, Jesus pulls no punches in addressing the Pharisees, the “Religious Elite” of His day. He exposes them as “hypocrites,” pointing out that, while they outwardly appear pious, inwardly their hearts are far from God. These Pharisees had taken man-made rules and traditions and elevated them to the status of divine commands, burdening people with requirements that God never intended. Their worship had become hollow, and their teachings were more about control than fostering intimate fellowship with the Lord. Ever been around people like that? I certainly have—and they set the “chin-up bar” impossibly high.

The reality is that legalism is still alive and well today. It often creeps into Christian communities or churches, camouflaged as “well-meaning advice” or “moral guidance.” It dictates how we should parent, dress, worship, eat, drink, and spend our money. At its worst, it transforms someone’s personal convictions into a universal standard for righteousness. However, Jesus calls us to a different path—one that prioritizes relationship over religion and heart transformation over external compliance.

Listen closely: Every day, you’re bombarded with advice and opinions, even from within the church or from well-meaning friends. Some are helpful, rooted in Scripture, and lead us closer to God. Others are merely “man-made rules” and religious “do’s and don’ts” that reflect personal preferences rather than biblical truth. These are the “killjoys.” It’s essential to evaluate any instruction through the lens of God’s Word.

Ask yourself three important questions:

  • Does this align with God’s Word?
  • Does it draw me closer to Jesus?
  • Does it reflect God’s character?

“Rules without relationship lead to rebellion!”

Jesus didn’t come to burden you with endless rules; He came to set you free (John 8:36). That freedom doesn’t mean living however you please or without boundaries. Not at all! It means living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not under the weight of man-made rules and expectations. When your heart is aligned with God’s, obedience flows naturally—not as a heavy burden, but as a joyful response to His love.

Be a person who honors God with your heart, not just your lips. Seek His truth above the noise of opinions, and extend grace to others, knowing that their journey with Christ may look different from yours.

Avoid the Legalistic Killjoys!

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Kevin

 


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Who Will You Follow?

 

Then Elijah stood up and said, “How much longer will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.

1 Kings 18:21


 

WHO WILL YOU FOLLOW?

 

Professional baseball scouts get paid for their opinions regarding potential future Major League Baseball prospects they are scouting. They cannot waver. They cannot waffle. They cannot ride the fence. They cannot remain silent. They must make a decision and be convicted about their decision—who they like, who they want to draft, and why they want to draft them. It’s been said, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way,” and I’ll add: don’t waver!

In a similar way, every day presents us with choices—choices big and small—and choices that reveal who we’ll follow. Elijah’s challenge to the people of Israel strikes at the very heart of making a decision. Will we wholeheartedly follow the Lord, or will we follow the ways of the world? There is no middle ground. There is no riding the fence. The world may tempt us with comfort, success, power, and approval; however, God calls us to unwavering devotion and bold faith.

The Israelites had seen God’s power, yet they hesitated to fully commit to Him. They wanted the blessings of God without the responsibility of following Him exclusively. How often do we do the same? In our workplaces, we compromise our integrity to gain favor and position. On our teams, we shrink back from sharing our faith out of fear of ridicule and judgment. In the marketplace, we prioritize material gain over eternal treasures. Wavering leads to silence, just as it did for the people in Elijah’s time. When we hesitate to choose God, we lose our voice, our conviction, our influence, and our witness.

Listen Closely: Following God isn’t confined to Sunday mornings; it’s an everyday commitment that touches every aspect of life. In the workplace, it means doing your work with excellence and integrity, as unto the Lord and not unto man (Colossians 3:23). On your team, it means standing firm in your convictions, morals, and values—even if it’s unpopular. In the marketplace, it means treating others with patience, kindness, goodness, and gentleness, which reflect the character of Christ.

Just as Elijah boldly confronted the Israelites, God is asking you today: “How much longer will you waver?” “How much longer will you ride the fence?” Choosing Him requires bold faith, but it also leads to life, peace, and purpose.

Let today be the day you decide once and for all to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, boldly, and without wavering or hesitation—in every area of your life.

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Merry Christmas!

Kevin

 


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Facing and Overcoming Rejection

 

Jumping up, the people mobbed Jesus and forced Him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push Him over the cliff, but He passed right through the crowd and went on His way to Capernaum.

Luke 4:29-30


 

FACING AND OVERCOMING REJECTION

 

Have you ever faced rejection? Maybe from people you know or don’t know? Rejection can come in many forms: the sting of divorce or unreciprocated love, not getting that job or promotion, family disputes, professional setbacks, athletic challenges, team cuts, or rejection by teammates or coaches. Rejection can hurt. However, just as Jesus did not allow rejection to stop Him, we too are called to persist in our life’s mission. Here are a few reflections to consider:

Rejection Is Not the End!

Like Jesus, we must understand that rejection, though painful, is not the conclusion of our story. Does it sting? Yes! However, it’s a chapter, not the book. God is writing your story—don’t steal His pen.

Keep Your Focus!

Jesus kept His eyes on the mission His Father set before Him. He didn’t waver, waffle, get distracted, or quit. When we face rejection, we should realign our focus on our life’s purpose, ensuring that our actions align with our values and calling.

Perseverance Is Key!

Jesus persevered. He didn’t relent. His own town rejected Him. Okay, so be it. He moved right on to the next town, Capernaum. He persevered and stayed on mission. We must exercise the same resilience. Whether it’s in our relationships, careers, ministry, or personal growth, perseverance in the face of rejection builds character and opens new doors of opportunity.

Live on Mission!

Our lives are meant to impact and influence others, making disciples who make disciples—not just through our words, but through our actions and responses to life’s challenges, including rejection. Don’t get sidetracked. Don’t throw in the towel. Live on mission!

God’s Approval Is Paramount!

Sometimes we believe that if we witness flawlessly or live right, everyone will like us. Not so. If they rejected Jesus, we can expect to be rejected sometimes too. Stop second-guessing yourself. Instead of focusing on what others think, seek to follow what the Lord has called you to do, and let the chips fall where they may. You have an audience of One. Remain obedient and seek His approval only.

 

Let this passage encourage you to press on. Rejection is inevitable, but it does not have to be a barrier to your purpose. Allow each instance of rejection to teach you, shape you, mold you, grow you, and propel you forward in your faith. Know that you are never alone, and your mission remains clear: live a life that reflects love, resilience, and steadfast faith in God’s plan for your life.

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Aim for the Bullseye

 

Don’t copy the behavior and pattern of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for your life; that which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

Romans 12:12


 

AIM FOR THE BULLSEYE

 

One day, a man decided to venture into the woods to go hunting. As he rounded a corner on the trail, he unexpectedly encountered a bear. Quickly, he aimed his bow and arrow, shot, and missed. Immediately, the bear charged toward him. Frozen with fear, the man couldn’t move but managed to muster a few brief words:

“Oh Lord,” he prayed, “Please forgive me for not living for You, and grant me just one request. Please make a Christian out of the bear that’s charging at me.”

At that very moment, the bear skidded to a halt in front of the man, fell to its knees, clasped its paws together, and began to pray aloud:
“Dear God, bless this food I am about to receive.”

The Lesson? Don’t miss the bullseye. Whether you are aiming at a bear, a target in an archery competition, or God’s perfect will for your life, missing the bullseye can result in serious consequences.

When discerning God’s will, it’s helpful to think of it like aiming for a target. God’s perfect will is the bullseye—the red dot in the center, perfectly aligned with His best for your life. This perfect will is where you feel at peace, knowing you are walking in His plan and purpose for you.

Paul reminds us in Romans that God’s will is “good, pleasing, and perfect.” The center of the target—God’s perfect will—is where God deeply desires us to live: fully surrendered and fully aligned with His heart. When we walk in this center, our lives reflect His purpose and design.

So how can you hit the bullseye of God’s perfect will for your life? Here are five practical steps:

  1. Live a life that is holy and obedient to God.
  2. Renew your mind daily through Scripture, quiet time, and prayer.
  3. Seek counsel first and foremost from God’s Word (the Bible).
  4. Have a genuine sense of God’s peace in your heart.
  5. Seek confirmation from a godly, wise, and trusted pastor or friend.

Yet, even in this journey, there will be times when we miss the center of the bullseye. Perhaps we aim for God’s best but land in another part of the target—what could be described as “good” or “pleasing.” These areas may not be the exact center, but they remain within God’s grace. He lovingly covers us with His mercy when we miss the mark, working through our imperfect choices for our good and His glory.

God is both gracious and patient, gently guiding us back to the center of His will.

Listen Closely: Paul reminds us to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This transformation happens as you let go of the world’s ways of thinking and adopt God’s perspective. The more you allow God’s Word and Spirit to shape you, the better you’ll understand what it means to aim for the center—His perfect will. Through prayer, Scripture, obedience, wise counsel, and sensitivity to the Spirit, God will reveal His plan for your life.

Never forget this truth: “L.O.V.E.” is spelled “T.I.M.E.” Spend TIME with God.

The good news? God’s mercy never fails when you miss the target. Even when you fall short of the bullseye, His grace invites you to aim again. He teaches you to trust Him, listen to His guidance, and surrender your will to His.

Remember: If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.

So, aim for the bullseye.

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Conviction vs. Liberty

 

Only be careful that this liberty of yours [this power to choose] does not somehow become a stumbling block [that is, a temptation to sin] to the weak [in conscience].” 

1 Corinthians 8:9 (AMP)


 

CONVICTION vs. LIBERTY

 

Legendary American evangelist D.L. Moody had long admired the British preacher, author, pastor, and evangelist Charles Haddon Spurgeon. One day, Spurgeon reached out to Moody and invited him to travel to London so the two renowned evangelists could meet and visit in person. Moody graciously accepted Spurgeon’s invitation.

Upon arriving, Moody was met at the door by Spurgeon himself—smoking a cigar. Moody was shocked. “How can you, a man of God, smoke that cigar?” he asked. Spurgeon, not offended, gently patted Moody’s stomach and replied, “The same way that you, a man of God, can be that fat.”

To Moody, smoking was the issue; however, to Spurgeon, overeating was the problem.

In Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 6–8, the Apostle Paul addresses matters of Christian liberty in the life of a believer—areas where there are no clear absolutes in God’s Word. These are things God gives us the freedom to enjoy, guided by His Spirit living within us.

The new believers in the city of Corinth were young in their faith and unsure of what they could eat, drink, wear, or do in their culture now that they were followers of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds them (and us today) of the following:

“All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate and permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].”
—1 Corinthians 10:23 AMP

Listen closely: As a Christian, there are times when your actions can cause another believer to stumble or falter in their faith. What may not be a conviction for you might be a conviction for someone else. In these matters of liberty, you must use Spirit-led discernment and wisdom to ensure you do not cause a brother or sister in the Lord to stumble spiritually or morally. Paul reiterates:

“All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate and permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous.”

Please don’t miss that point!

To the immature believer, the focus is on what is permissible for them—what they know. They often have little regard for how their actions might cause others to stumble. It becomes about their rights and their judgments of others’ liberties.

For the mature believer, the focus shifts to questions such as:

  • Is this helpful or beneficial?
  • Could this become an addiction or control me?
  • Is it edifying? Does it build up the other person?
  • Will my actions harm my witness and influence for Christ?

The mature believer’s focus is on genuine love for others, not just themselves. They consider the impact of their actions and accept others for their liberties.

I encourage you to use godly wisdom and discernment. Think of others first before acting or speaking. In doing so, you will bring great glory to God as He works through your life to impact the world for Christ.

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

A Meaningless Life

 

“Everything is meaningless, completely meaningless!” 

Ecclesiastes 1:2


 

A MEANINGLESS LIFE

 

Michael lived in bustling Manhattan, NYC, where skyscrapers pierced the heavens and lights blazed like stars. At the age of thirty-five, he was a legend in the world of Wall Street. He had risen from a poor upbringing to the very top of his field, becoming a self-made billionaire by the time most of his peers were still figuring out their careers.

To outsiders, Michael was the epitome of success. He owned a penthouse on Fifth Avenue, drove a collection of sports cars, and was often seen in the company of supermodels and celebrities. Michael’s life was a relentless pursuit of more: more women, more money, more power, more prestige, and more recognition. The newspapers hailed him as a “financial prodigy,” a man who could turn anything he touched into gold. The world envied him, admired him, and even feared him. However, amidst all the champagne toasts and applause, Michael never noticed the silence that grew louder within him.

When Michael was young, he vowed never to be poor like he was in his youth. However, as he grew older, the successes that once defined him became mere numbers on a screen. He began to realize that he had no one to share his victories with—no one who truly cared about the man behind the wealth. His mother had passed away years ago, and he had no siblings or family to speak of. The few friends he had were more interested in his wallet than his well-being.

One day, as he was walking through Central Park, he noticed an elderly man sitting on a bench, feeding pigeons. The man had a serene quality to him. He seemed content, even though he wore tattered clothes and displayed none of the wealth Michael was accustomed to. Driven by a sudden impulse, Michael approached the man and struck up a conversation.

“How can you appear so…happy?” Michael asked, bewildered by the old man’s calm demeanor.

The man smiled with a twinkle in his eye and said, “Happiness isn’t found in things. It’s found in the One who created all things.”

Michael paused. “What do you mean? Are you talking about God?”

The old man nodded. “I lost everything once—my family, my home, my health, and my wealth. However, in losing everything, I found the one thing that mattered most. I found a ‘right relationship’ with God. When you have that, you realize that everything else is just…temporary.”

Michael scoffed, shaking his head. “God? I’ve spent my entire life building an empire. I’ve earned every cent I have. God had nothing to do with it.”

The old man’s smile never wavered. “You may have built an empire, but can you take it with you when you’re gone? Your empire won’t save you when you kneel before God, my friend. Wealth and success are cruel masters. They blind you to the one thing that truly matters. And in the end, they leave you with nothing.”

Years passed. Michael’s wealth grew, but his health began to fail. The years of stress and sleepless nights took their toll. One morning, he collapsed in his penthouse, clutching his chest. The paramedics arrived and rushed him to the hospital, but there was little they could do. He was alone in his sterile hospital room when he realized he was dying.

As he lay there, hooked up to machines, he thought back to the old man in the park. A sudden, terrifying thought gripped him: What if the old man was right? What if there was more to life than wealth and success? What if I’ve spent my entire life chasing the wrong things?

In his final moments on earth, he tried to pray but realized he didn’t know how. He had lived his entire life without God, and now, at the end, he was a stranger to the very One who could save him. As the light faded from his eyes, the machines flatlined, leaving only a cold, empty silence. Michael, the man who had it all, died alone. His death made headlines for a day, but the world quickly moved on.

In the end, he learned too late that success without meaning, wealth without love, and a life without a right relationship with God was, in the end, meaningless.

Listen Closely: Like Solomon and Michael, many people today chase after things they believe will bring them fulfillment—success, wealth, position, pleasure, power, and knowledge. These are all empty pursuits. Solomon’s words serve as a timeless reminder that life’s true meaning isn’t found in worldly achievements or pleasures but in a “right relationship” with God through His Son, Jesus.

In the final chapter of Ecclesiastes, Solomon concludes with a profound statement:
“Fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Ultimately, the message of Ecclesiastes is not one of despair but a call to wisdom: to live your life with the end in mind. Recognize that a life lived for temporary things is futile and “meaningless,” but a life lived for Jesus is full of purpose. Above all else, finish life well!

 

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin


Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.