I’ve been thinking about yesterday’s quote and Einstein’s thoughts about the difference between a person of success and a person of value.
Might be tempting to debate his definitions, which would miss the point. The question is simple – do we give more than we take?
Einstein defines that as being a person of value. I’m thinking it might be more about living sacrificially.
Last week I told you about my friend Paul Hurkman and his completion of the Great World Race – 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. I told you he acquired the nickname “Galloping Jesus,” only partly because of his appearance. During and following the race, multiple comments and videos documented Paul’s care for his fellow competitors and spectators, despite his personal suffering. They literally saw Jesus in his actions.
Knowing Paul, I’m absolutely convinced that the million dollars his team raised to rescue girls from sexual slavery wasn’t the most important thing.
Representing Jesus mattered more than the dollars and the running and all the rest of it. Living sacrificially, giving more than he will ever get – that’s what matters.
Obviously, the Great World Race is an extreme example. Most of us will never dream of attempting something so outlandish. And that’s okay. But still – it IS an example.
Paul Hurkman is the CEO of VENTURE, a nonprofit that raises millions of dollars to serve and rescue people in the most difficult places on the planet. He could have SENT a team to do the Great World Race.
He chose instead to LEAD the team, to sacrifice, to give far more than he receives. He chose to follow Jesus.
I’ll admit – I enjoy comfort as much as anyone. But maybe this is an opportunity for you and me to ask if we’ve turned “comfort” into something of an idol.
Jesus asked us to live sacrificially, to give more than we take.
As we prepare for FREEDOM TOUR 2026, let us be people of value.