To Whom Much Is Given
During the 1995 college football season, 6' 2" 280-pound Clay Shiver was the starting center for the Florida State Seminoles' football team. He was regarded as one of the best at his position in the nation. In fact, Playboy magazine was set to name him to their preseason All-American football team. For most, that would be a welcomed honor, but Clay Shiver, a dedicated follower of Jesus, felt differently.
Shiver talked and prayed with the team chaplain and together they prepared his response. Shiver knew well that the selection would be a boost for his career. Being chosen for this All-American team meant that sportswriters regarded him as the best in the nation at his position and publicity like that never hurts an athlete who aspires to the play in the NFL, but Shiver had higher values and priorities.
When informed that Playboy had made their selection, Clay Shiver simply said, "No thanks." He flatly refused the honor. Clay didn’t want to embarrass his mother and grandmother by appearing in the magazine or giving old high school friends an excuse to buy that issue. Shiver explained his decision by quoting Luke 12:48, "To whom much is given, of him much is required."
“I don’t want to let anyone down,” said Clay Shiver, “and number one on that list is God”
