As the 2016 Olympics were coming to a close, I was both amused and embarrassed by the Team USA swimmers who made the news not for their accomplishments in the pool, but at the gas station. The second most decorated male swimmer in American history was given an amazing platform for good, but instead it has been overshadowed by drunkenness, exaggeration, and a tarnished image. I pray this is only temporary, and that God somehow makes something good out of this. After all, He’s in the redemption business. But, this isn’t a rant against Ryan Lochte. In fact, it’s a personal confession. I’m a task oriented guy, often driven by results and inspired by numbers. But as I reflected on the “Olympic scandal”, God spoke to me. He reminded me that results are important, but so is character. So are values. Whether it’s Martha and Mary in Jesus’ day, or mission agency directors and business professionals in our day promoting fruitfulness at the expense of dealing with character issues, we can all fall into the same trap. Many cultures value achievement and success, but how does God see it? I think God is concerned about where we go, but also how we get there. The prophet Micah summed it up this way: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
