PGA golfer Ray Floyd was ready to tap in a short putt during a tournament when he noticed the ball had moved slightly. The rules state that a golfer must take a penalty stroke in this situation. Floyd was leading in the $108,000 tourney, and being honest could cost him a lot of money. But compromising would cost him his integrity. Floyd chose to stick with his integrity. He assessed himself a penalty and took a bogey on the hole.

Daniel 1-2 – Countercultural Faith

Daniel and his three friends lived up to Daniel’s Hebrew name (God is my Judge). He chose to live in unwavering obedience to God. He would not defile himself spiritually by eating food that went against Moses’ law, especially when doing so meant honoring the idols the food was dedicated to. His obedience was not just an intellectual or emotional decision but a matter of the heart.

All who trust God and His revelation through Jesus Christ are the light and salt to the world. However, we are at odds with the values and worldview of those who have lost their way, who dominate the world’s systems and ways of thinking. Uncompromising obedience to God is required of us. God promises to honor those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete refuse to conform to this world. God renews their minds. They think and act in ways that reveal the light of Jesus Christ.

Bible Memory Verse – “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will cause a kingdom to rise up which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself stand forever.” Daniel 2:44 (LSB)